Telford Theatre Redevelopment Approved, Work to Begin in New Year

The redevelopment of Telford Theatre, located in Oakengates, is slated to begin in the new year, subsequent to councillors giving their approval for a significant upgrade. Telford and Wrekin Council had submitted an application to its internal planning committee, proposing to expand the current auditorium within the Limes Walk building and to establish a new, more compact studio theatre. Additionally, the project encompasses efforts to modernize the backstage amenities and to revamp the foyer, bar, and dining sections. The theatre ceased operations in the spring to enable the commencement of preparatory work, with the council stating that the greater part of the venue would be entirely reconstructed. The authority has secured £15.5 million in funding from the government to support this undertaking, which it projects will decrease the venue’s carbon footprint by 90%. Angela McClements, the councillor with responsibility for Leisure, Tourism, Culture and the Arts, commented that the new theatre is expected to make Oakengates “a more exciting and vibrant place to be and boost the local economy, as well as reducing the theatre’s carbon footprint considerably”. This theatre redevelopment forms a component of a larger initiative within Oakengates, which additionally includes the modernization of its shopping precinct. The initial businesses recommenced operations in the units located there during October. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.