Historic Worthing theatre under threat (From The Argus)
Get involved: Send your news, views, pictures and video by texting SUPIC to 80360 or email us.
Historic Worthing theatre under threat
2:10pm Tuesday 15th February 2011 in News By Tim Ridgway
A theatre open for 70 years could shut in less than 12 months.
Worthing Borough Council has revealed the Connaught Theatre is currently “unsustainable as a business”.
Local authority bosses confirmed it is considering closing the historic venue in Union Place, Worthing, in January, and hope a private bidder will take it over.
But council papers have confirmed if no developer comes forward, the theatre, which opened in 1931, should be sold for redevelopment”.
The revelation came in private papers from the Worthing Budgetary Advisory Group.
The first of two options it is considering is to shut it in January and seek any expressions of interest.
The second less popular option is to scrap plays and shows and turn it into a digital cinema.
However this would only exist until a new complex is built in the town, probably at Teville Gate.
The minutes added the Pavilion Theatre would be improved with 1,000 tiered sears, better acoustics and a fly-tower.
Council leader Paul Yallop said the town’s two theatres currently cost £1.2 million a year.
He added there had been local interest in taking over the Connaught, adding: “We are looking at theatre provision and we need to do less but better.
“The general feeling is, with the size of the budget cuts, we cannot afford to do all we are doing.”
Coun Yallop emphasised that nothing had been ruled out yet and a full report was due to be discussed in March.
Comments(5)
MJM54
says...
2:56pm Tue 15 Feb 11
Jon Woodley
says...
11:18am Wed 16 Feb 11
We are mounting a campaign to save the Theatre scene in Worthing, I have already circulated a letter in response to the article to many of those who support the Arts in Worthing, this has already reached Paul Yallop, Head of Worthing Council, who has started an open dialogue with me, we are looking to set-up a charitable business, overseen by a board of local trustees to ensure that the theatre continues in its pivotal role within the community. I work as a Theatre Consultant and my partner works as a Theatre administrator for a similar size theatre to the Connaught, we know it can be sustainable if run correctly, please email me for more information on how you can join the campaign, jonwoodleyprodman@ya
hoo.co.uk
pyallop
says...
1:13pm Wed 16 Feb 11
MJM54 wrote:Parking in the surface car park next to the Theatre is £1 per hour for up to 3 hours. The Theatre also has an arrangement for reduced tarrifs at the local High Street mscp - you just validate your ticket using the machine situated on the box office counter. With petrol prices at record highs how does driving extra miles make things cheaper in any event?
With the fantastic pricing of seats at Chichester theatre, and free parking in the evening, I don't ever consider going to the theatre at Worthing. The cost of parking is the biggest turn off!
pyallop
says...
1:18pm Wed 16 Feb 11
Jon Woodley wrote:None of us likes the reality of the cuts. The council has no wish to see the Theatre close and would much prefer to encourage a 'big society' arrangement such as this.
To all readers,
We are mounting a campaign to save the Theatre scene in Worthing, I have already circulated a letter in response to the article to many of those who support the Arts in Worthing, this has already reached Paul Yallop, Head of Worthing Council, who has started an open dialogue with me, we are looking to set-up a charitable business, overseen by a board of local trustees to ensure that the theatre continues in its pivotal role within the community. I work as a Theatre Consultant and my partner works as a Theatre administrator for a similar size theatre to the Connaught, we know it can be sustainable if run correctly, please email me for more information on how you can join the campaign, jonwoodleyprodman@ya
hoo.co.uk
Mr Pickwick says...
2:21pm Tue 15 Feb 11