'Keep theatre in community' plea as consultation due

The theatre is on Melton Campus which merged with Loughborough College earlier this year

A community will have the chance to have their say over the future of their local theatre, bosses have said.

Melton Theatre lies on the former SMB College campus in Asfordby Road, which merged with Loughborough College earlier this year.

It is understood the newly-formed Loughborough College Group has been awarded a £7.3m recoverable grant by the government aiming to establish a financially sustainable institution.

A spokesperson from the group said it was working with Melton Borough Council to "explore viable, long-term solutions for the future of the theatre and the wider site".

No decision has been made about the theatre's future as of yet, said the group, adding that any proposals will be subject to consultation.

But for theatre enthusiasts in the area - such as Megan Berridge from the Leicester Theatre Group - even the prospect of potentially losing the venue is being regarded as a "massive shame".

Melton Theatre saw them taking to the stage with their Bugsy Malone show, shortly after the Covid pandemic.

Ms Berridge said there were talks about returning to the venue in the next year.

"I think [losing the venue] would be a massive shame because the venue is amazing. I don't think it was utilised at its full potential.

"It just forces the community to go elsewhere so you're not keeping it within that community. In the arts world, it would be massive."

Melton Musical Theatre Company said they had sold-out performances at the 340-seat venue

Pete Etherington, from the Melton Musical Theatre Company, which has been operating in the town for more than a century, said it would be "absolutely devastating" if the venue was to close.

He said the company had their first show at Melton Theatre back in 1976, building up to having two performances each year.

"[It would be] absolutely devastating if it was closed and we did have to sort of give some thought to that during Covid times because there were some concerns then," Mr Etherington said.

"We realised that there aren't really suitable venues that we could use.

"I can't see us continuing if the theatre closed unless we could find another local venue or theatre, or try to build another one - but obviously we're talking huge amounts of money."

'Longstanding financial challenges'

Pip Allnatt, the leader of Melton Borough Council, said the authority recognised the significance of the campus, as well as "the concerns surrounding its future".

"While the ultimate decision regarding the campus rests with the college, as it is a business matter for them, we remain committed to supporting a continued presence in the town centre," he added.

Allnatt said the "longstanding financial challenges" of the college were evident prior to its merger, and have been under the supervision of the further education commissioner.

As a result of this, the college has withdrawn from the Rutland and Melton Levelling Up programme, which included a £2m government grant intended to revamp the theatre, the council leader added.

The funding will now go into developing a "small, multi-purpose event space" aimed at supporting the creative and performing arts industry at the Stockyard.

Council leader Pip Allnatt said the authority's goal was "to work collaboratively to support the sustainable use of the site" promoting education and learning for residents

Allnatt said: "Despite our efforts to engage the college in discussions to save the theatre, including offering to take it on for a nominal fee, these conversations have not progressed.

"As a key location within our town, we are concerned about the potential loss of the theatre as a cultural asset and the broader implications for education and community engagement.

"The site includes several stakeholders, such as Leicestershire County Council (with the library), the theatre, and Samworth Brothers. Our goal is to work collaboratively to support the sustainable use of the site and promote education and learning for Melton residents.

"Should the college choose to sell the property, Melton Borough Council, as the local planning authority, will have a role in shaping its future use.

"We will continue to advocate for outcomes that benefit the community, including exploring opportunities such as a much-needed GP surgery."

A spokesperson for the college group added: "We fully recognise the theatre's cultural and community value as a much-loved local asset and are committed to carefully considering all options for its regeneration and continued use."