New Swindon theatre 'could open in 2026'

The capacity of the current theatre is about 600

A brand new theatre could open in Swindon as soon as 2026, the leader of the council has said.

Swindon Borough Council wants to replace the ageing Wyvern Theatre, near Regent Square, with a larger venue.

The facility plays a central role in the council's Swindon Plan, with the local authority's head Councillor Jim Robbins expressing confidence that a site could be found for it near the town's bus station.

Mr Robbins said it was "no secret" the existing building was "coming towards the end of its life".

The council is also working on getting the refurbished Oasis Leisure Centre, alongside owners Seven Capital, ready during 2026, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Cllr Robbins said of the plan: “We can deliver the new venue ahead of a refurbed Oasis.”

When first announcing the plan, cabinet member for arts culture and heritage Marina Strinkovsky said: “The Wyvern is coming to the end of its life, in two ways. It’s a concrete building, it wasn’t built as a Regency building intended to last for 300 years, and it’s too small."

She also added that the podium was "becoming structurally unstable", though emphasised that there was no question of the building being unsafe.

Mr Robbins said more recently: “It’s no secret that the building at the Wyvern is coming towards the end of its life. It was built in the early 1970s and the fabric of the building is ageing.”

He also said the current theatre’s capacity at just over 600 was too small.

“If you want the biggest touring shows or the biggest comedians then you need twice that size, and more.”

While no firm proposals or drawings are available, previously Mr Robbins said he wanted a flexible space that could host smaller shows but also be expanded to 2,000 seats.

The Wyvern Theatre will be replaced with a larger venue

Wyvern Theatre director Laura James said she supported the council's plans

“We love our Wyvern Theatre and during her lifetime she has entertained millions of visitors," she said.

“But with the passage of time, comes the realisation that our beloved Wyvern is past the prime of her youth."

Once the new theatre is operational Mr Robbins said the current Wyvern will be kept as a "performing space".