Telford Theatre Remodelling

The Place Telford Auditorium
The Place empty bar
Telford theatre sketch 2
Telford theatre sketch 1

Telford Theatre plaza

Telford Theatre lobby

Discover the future of Telford Theatre

Telford & Wrekin Council have been awarded funding from Central Governments Levelling Up Fund to remodel and expand Telford Theatre in Oakengates.

The Vision:  

Telford Theatre is almost 60 years old and is in need of rejuvenation. This multimillion-pound Levelling Up project will deliver: 

1. An exciting new cultural experience: Upgraded facilities including a brand new purpose built main auditorium which will increase capacity and provide facilities which will attract new types of cultural experiences, top tier names and spectacular shows. A brand-new community-centric studio theatre will also offer an increased variety of diverse cultural programs and provide additional space for community groups and organisations.

2. Enhanced visitor experience: Our plans aim to elevate your theatre experience. You can look forward to a welcoming atmosphere with a transformed foyer and upgraded facilities, including new toilets. The latest survey results highlighted that people want to be able to have a drink and have a meal before and after a show. In response to this, our proposals also include the introduction of a formal dining experience and enhanced bar facility. Additionally, we’re introducing a dedicated community art room and modernising backstage facilities for artists’ convenience.

3. Oakengates Town Centre improvements: This project complements the Telford Towns Fund Oakengates Theatre Quarter project, turning a 1960s precinct into a modern and welcoming visitor experience - find out more about the Oakengates Theatre Quarter project here (hyperlink to project page, open on new window) 

4. A boost to the local economy: By drawing more people to Oakengates, our aim is to boost both daytime and evening economic activity, participation in culture and stimulate further investment to support the visitor economy in Oakengates and across the Borough.

5: A greener sustainable future: As part of our commitment to a greener future, we’re embracing cutting-edge green technology. This will significantly reduce our carbon footprint, bringing us closer to our goal of carbon neutrality by 2030. 

Consultation and engagement

Public consultation drop-in event taking place on the 4 and 5 December at Telford Theatre in Oakengates.
We are excited to announce a two-day public consultation drop-in event being held at Telford Theatre in Oakengates on Monday 4 December, from 2pm to 7.30pm, and Tuesday 5 December, from 9am to 1pm. The two-day drop-in event will be an opportunity to share initial designs for the theatre transformation and gather feedback to inform future design. Your presence at this event and your feedback will help us ensure that Oakengates and its businesses benefit from this project. The project team will be on hand to talk to you about the vision for the project and work to date and answer any questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to seeing you there!

Event details:
Venue: Telford Theatre, Limes Walk, Oakengates, Telford TF2 6EP
Dates:

  • Monday 4 December 2023 - 2PM - 7:30 PM
  • Tuesday 5 December 2023 -9AM - 1 PM

A link to a short survey will be posted here on 4 December for you to have your say on the proposals for the remodelling of Telford Theatre @ Oakengates.

We value your input! To inform the development of the Telford Theatre proposals, engagement was also carried out in May and June 2022.  

This included a survey which was widely promoted to the community and our theatre patrons, engagement with theatre promoters and the Theatres Trust, and in-depth discussions with local stakeholders.

1,590 people responded to the survey, three quarters of respondents were Telford and Wrekin residents with representation from all 30 wards.

Download a copy of survey results.

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; 
  • 64% said that they want to have a drink before and after the show
  • 50% said that they want to go for a meal
  • 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 Telford 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.

We’re committed to supporting businesses in Oakengates. The council is working closely with those affected by the proposals, assisting them in relocating to vacant premises in Oakengates or within the Borough. The Council will also be launching a new round of Pride In Our High Street initiative later in September 23 and businesses will continue to benefit from free local parking.

Engagement with local stakeholders, residents and Telford Theatre customers will continue throughout the delivery of the project.

Key Milestones: 

  • Autumn/Winter 2023 - Consultation and engagement activity
  • Spring 2024 - Submit planning application and expected planning decision
  • Spring 2024 - Theatre closure for works
  • Summer 2024 - Works on site
  • Winter 2026 - Full reopening of the Theatre

Join us on this remarkable journey as we shape the future of culture, community, and entertainment in Oakengates!


Frequently Asked Questions

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.