Levelling up funding will support the remodelling and expansion of Telford Theatre in Oakengates and will deliver a broader cultural programme, hosting bigger names and shows, significantly improving the visitor experience and providing additional space for community groups and organisations.

The current theatre building is now nearly 60 years old, requiring significant maintenance in the next few years. The levelling up funding will enable us to build a brand-new auditorium, whilst retaining some of the newer parts of the existing building.  This will ensure there is a modern theatre in Oakengates for many years to come. The new building will also be much more energy efficient and will use the latest technology such as air source heat pumps to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the building.

Remodelling of the Theatre will complement the Towns Funded Oakengates Theatre Quarter project located adjacent to the Theatre, which will transform the 1960’s shopping precinct into a modern, welcoming visitor experience for residents and visitors alike.

The combined investment of these two projects will help to bring more people to Oakengates, increasing footfall and the Theatre Quarter’s daytime and evening economy.

The remodelled theatre will increase the capacity of the main auditorium to 750 seats. The new secondary studio theatre will have a capacity of 98 seats, increasing the overall capacity of the theatre by 210 seats.

Public circulation spaces will be larger and access points to the theatres will be improved. We will also be including additional and enhanced facilities to support the increased capacity e.g. more toilets, bar areas and hospitality.

High level proposals were prepared for the bid, informed by community and stakeholder consultation in May and June 2022 and previous community engagement about the theatre.

The community survey was open to all and was widely promoted to the community and to our Theatre patrons. 1,590 people responded to the survey and three quarters were from Telford & Wrekin. Responses were received from all 30 wards. 

Download a copy of survey results. Some key headline results:

• 99% agreed that it was important for Telford & Wrekin to have a Theatre/performance venue; 
• 97% agreed that taking part in arts and cultural activities benefits the local community; 
• 37% said that Telford Theatre is their most visited venue;
• 70% said that if there was a wider choice of things to do in or near the Theatre before or after shows they would be more likely to visit; 
• The top 5 themes about what needed to be improved at the Theatre were: 

• The bar area
• Seating (bar and auditorium) 
• Increased quality/variety of acts
• Toilets
• Entrance/outside
• Restaurant/Hospitality Offer

A review of previous community engagement about the Theatre was also completed to inform initial designs. This has included analysis of a range of surveys and customer reviews over the last 10 years.

Engagement with local stakeholders, residents and theatre customers will continue throughout project delivery.

The Council recognises this is a period of uncertainty for businesses and is in contact with those directly affected by the proposals.

Tailored support will be provided to these businesses to assist them with a move to new premises during the works.  Whilst some businesses will have an opportunity to return to their current premises in the theatre once the works are complete, others will be supported with a permanent move.  Whether businesses want to remain in Oakengates or relocate to another area within Telford, we will work with them to find suitable premises.

Work is not programmed to start until Spring 2024 which provides a lead in period for the Council to help businesses plan and to minimise the effects on businesses and the wider town centre whilst works are underway.

Whilst the library will close in its current location during the works it is planned that the library will be relocated and remain open.

Based on the current programme, the Theatre is expected to be closed from Spring 2024 until October 2026.

The proposed theatre development sits within a wider programme of works that will significantly improve the Oakengates Theatre Quarter. These developments will inevitably have some impact on the locality but we will endeavour to minimise this impact wherever possible. Further details about changes to pedestrian routes etc will follow.

We are committed to the ongoing provision of free car parking within council owned car parks in Oakengates. We are aware of the issues of car parking availability due in part to people using the car park to catch the train and are therefore working to develop a long-term parking plan in Oakengates, considering concerns raised. 

We will be looking to programme cultural performances within the borough during the theatre closure utilising our parks and open spaces and working with partner venues.

The much-needed improved backstage facilities and larger capacity auditorium will attract a wider range of performers and performances raising the profile of Telford Theatre amongst promoters, agents and artists.

The additional secondary studio space will provide an opportunity to extend the current programme offering a wider and more diverse range of culture and entertainment, developing new audiences, working with communities and increasing cultural participation.

Future public consultations via face to face and online events and surveys will be publicised on the Get Involved Page.

In the meantime, if you would like to be kept up to date about what’s going on at the Theatre, please sign up to our mailing list.

Alternatively, if you would like to contact one of the team regarding the project please email levellingupfund@telford.gov.uk.