Pictures show state of Telford theatre work after council insists project is 'going ahead as planned'
The regeneration will create a 776-seat auditorium.
Fresh pictures show the state of Telford’s theatre redevelopment after the council looked to reassure residents over progress.
Last week Telford & Wrekin Council issued a statement on the work taking place at the Oakengates venue, insisting it is “going ahead as planned”.
Despite the reassurance the council has remained tight-lipped over definitive details of when construction will start, saying it is working with contractors to begin the next phase of work “as soon as possible this summer”.
The statement from the authority said: “Demolition of the former Oakengates nursery and auditorium has enabled access to areas of the site that were previously inaccessible, allowing further detailed investigations around the site which support the new building design.
“Work is continuing behind the scenes and the council is working with external contractors to start the next phase of works on site as soon as possible this summer.
“A construction timeline will be released as part of this when the expected new opening date for the theatre will also be confirmed.”
The new Telford Theatre will include a 776-seat main auditorium, a separate studio theatre which can support community groups and smaller acts, a new community art room, as well as a newly transformed foyer, theatre dining area and new bar with upgraded amenities and modernised backstage facilities.
Telford & Wrekin Council’s leader, Lee Carter said: “We are committed to keeping businesses and residents updated about the Telford Theatre project and will confirm the final programme in the coming months.
“We know that Telford Theatre is an eagerly anticipated project throughout the Oakengates and wider community and it’s one of our biggest investment projects across the Borough which when complete will attract visitors from far-and-wide and drive more footfall to Oakengates Town Centre.
“We want to reassure people that despite some initial setbacks we remain fully focused on bringing plans for this exciting new facility to fruition and seeing the construction of the new building start to take shape as soon as possible.”
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