Following the council's approval of the plans for the flagship center, the £29 million renovation of an arts facility will proceed.
The Octagon Theatre in Yeovil is intended to become a more effective cultural center, according to South Somerset District Council.
The project will make it possible to build a fly tower to draw bigger shows, increase seating capacity, and add new dance and cinema studios.
The theater will close in April, and construction work will start soon after.
According to Adam Burgan, manager of arts and entertainment venues at The Octagon Theatre, "this is really exciting for us all involved.".
"The theater will not only help the neighborhood, but it will also give everyone in Somerset the chance to experience top-tier performing and visual arts. ".
Open for bids: renovation of an arts venue.
Public disclosure of the £29 million theater upgrade plan.
The project will include: and has already received £10 million in government arts funding.
- an expanded main auditorium seating capacity.
- Two new, smaller studio or movie theater spaces.
- A dance studio will house the Octagon Academy going forward.
- a community studio with a rehearsal room and a different location for additional classes.
- a renovated café and bar area.
- enhanced customer and front-of-house facilities.
- improved access to the backstage area.
- The facility has a fly tower that allows larger visiting companies to use it for flying scenery.
- an area for changing clothes and a toilet for people with special needs.
"Arts Council England sees the redevelopment of The Octagon as a symbol for the renewed commitment to the arts by local government in Somerset," said Councillor Mike Best, South Somerset District Council's portfolio holder for health and wellbeing.
The redevelopment will improve the arts' ability to engage the community, he continued. Additionally, there will be chances to create a more thoughtful cultural offer across the nation. ".
It is anticipated that the renovation will take a year. During the construction, the Yeovil Amateur Operatic Society and other amateur organizations that utilize the Octagon will move to the Westlands entertainment complex.
The theater's website has more details on the renovation.
