Town's theatre might not have to close in 2027

It was previously reported that the theatre was due to close in 2027

A town's theatre may not have to close in 2027, as had previously been thought.

The contract with Trafalgar Entertainment to run the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon ends in three years, and a business case for a new theatre suggested the Wyvern would close "by mid-2027".

But speaking to a Let’s Talk Swindon public consultation session, leader of Swindon Borough Council Jim Robbins said the theatre "doesn’t have to close then".

Mr Robbins did however add the theatre "is getting to the end of its life" and has "concrete cancer and other issues".

"And the main thing is that we know it’s not big enough," he said.

"If we want to attract the big touring shows then we need something about twice the size of the current capacity, which is why we’re planning a replacement with a seated capacity of 1,200 and up to 2,000 standing."

Previous reports about when the Wyvern Theatre would close were based on an outline business case for the new concert venue the council wants to build in Kimmerfields.

It was included in papers for November’s cabinet meeting where members of the cabinet approved moving ahead with the plan.

It said within it that the theatre was "scheduled to close by mid-2027".

Mr Robbins told the audience at the Central Library that the council’s plan was to clear the current bus station site in Kimmerfields and use the land for what is known as a ‘contemporary installation’ – a style of construction for an event and entertainment venue similar to the one used in east London for the Abba Voyage show.

The Abba Arena uses a modular construction, where most of the building’s parts are constructed off-site and slotted together in situ.

Mr Robbins said that meant it was cheaper to build which he added is important at a time when the council’s finances are very stretched.

He pointed out that such a construction is also much easier to remove when it was no longer wanted.

He said: “We can build something really good for the next 25 years and that will be used and attract good shows and be a real asset to the town centre.”