Octagon Theatre update as councillors hope it becomes a 'hub for Somerset'
The planned £29m upgrade of one of Somerset’s flagship arts venues can move to the next phase after councillors agreed to being the tendering process
The planned £29m upgrade of one of Somerset’s flagship arts venues can move to the next phase after councillors agreed to being the tendering process.
South Somerset District Council announced its intention in late-December 2020 to upgrade the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil, expanding and enhancing the building to allow it to attract bigger shows and higher-profile acts.
The council confirmed in July 2022 that the venue would close its doors in April 2023, having previously agreed to increase the project’s budget by £6m in light of rising construction costs.
Members of the council’s district executive committee have now agreed that the project can move forward to formal tender, providing the full council ratifies the decision later this month.
The tender process will see different building contractors formally bid to carry out the upgrade, which is intended to secure the venue’s future as a flagship arts venue in Somerset and the wider south west.
The revamped Octagon Theatre will include:
An increased seating capacity in the main auditorium from 622 to 900, with enhanced technical facilities that will improve the comfort for audiences
Two new smaller cinema/ studio spaces, predominately for film screenings but also able to host smaller-scale live performances
A dance studio, which will become the new home for the Octagon Academy and “the perfect place” for all dance classes
A community studio offering an alternative space for additional classes, as well as a rehearsal room for local choirs, theatre groups, and arts and craft workshops
A greatly improved café bar area, open throughout the day
Improved front-of-house and customer facilities
Improved backstage accessibility
The construction of a fly tower, which can be used for flying scenery, enabling larger visiting companies to use the venue
A changing places toilet for those with additional needs
The committee made the decision to move to tender when it met in Yeovil on Thursday morning (January 5), though the matter was discussed in confidential session due to the commercial sensitivity of the project.
Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Mike Best, portfolio holder for health and well-being, said: “We see the redevelopment of this flagship arts venue as not only about the redevelopment of a building, but also being able to reach out into the community to improve access to the arts.
“This decision reaffirms our commitment to deliver this not only district-wide, but across Somerset and beyond.
“As the new unitary Somerset Council is established, and in line with the anticipated delivery of a new cultural strategy for Somerset, there will be opportunities to develop a more considered culture offer across Somerset.
“The redeveloped Octagon Theatre will become a hub for Somerset whereby we can deliver this.”
The final decision on going to tender will be made by the full council when it meets in Yeovil on Thursday, January 19. A formal decision on the planning application will be taken before the theatre closes in April.