Yeovil's Octagon Centre to be transformed into 'flagship centre for creative arts'
Councillors of South Somerset District Council have voted to approve planning permission for the redevelopment of The Octagon Theatre
It's official - Yeovil's Octagon Theatre is set to see a transformation - which planners hope will turn it into a 'flagship centre for the creative arts'.
Councillors of South Somerset District Council have voted to approve the planning permission for the redevelopment of The Octagon Theatre - which is hoped to provide opportunities for people from across the county to get involved with.
The redeveloped theatre will then be used as a hub, to bring world class artists to Somerset, as well as helping to spark economic regeneration in Yeovil, as the council hopes to bring joy, entertainment and inspiration for generations.
South Somerset District Council’s Area South Committee and Regulation Committee voted to approve the Planning Officers recommendation which was to approve the planning application.
The redeveloped Octagon Theatre will include:
- Increased seating capacity - bringing the main auditorium from 622 seats to 900
- Two cinema / studio spaces
- A dance studio - to be the new home of the 'Octagon Academy'
- A community studio
- Improved café / bar area as well as improved front of house and customer facilities
- Improved backstage accessibility
- A 'fly tower' which makes it possible for larger visiting companies to use the venue
- A Changing Places toilet for those with additional needs
The council says development of The Octagon will mean fewer trips out of the county to access shows, activities and entertainment.
Adam Burgan, Arts & Entertainment Venues Manager, said: “This is really exciting for us all involved at The Octagon Theatre and the arts in Somerset on a day-to-day basis as we see planning permission granted for a venue that will not only benefit the local community but also bring the opportunity for all to access the world-class arts here in Somerset.
"The tendering process for contractors to bid for the works in a competitive process is underway and we are set to close the doors on The Octagon Theatre as we currently know it at the end of April, making way for the new home of entertainment here in Somerset.”
Councillor Mike Best, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing at South Somerset District Council, said: “The redevelopment will better enable the arts to reach out into the community, with Arts Council England seeing the redevelopment of The Octagon as a symbol for the renewed commitment to the arts by local government in Somerset.
"As the new Unitary 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 Octagon Theatre is set to close its doors to customers at the end of April with building works then set to commence in the coming months.