Director addresses rumours of theatre shutting down

Laura says the Wyvern venue is "open for business" amid spiralling rumours

The director of a theatre has hit back at claims it is due to close.

Laura James said The Wyvern in Swindon is "open for business" after reports circulated on local media and trade magazines, that it was to be demolished to make way for housing.

Rumours swirled after details of Swindon Borough Council's local plan, setting out potential development in the town for the next 20 to 30 years, were released.

Ms James said since the speculation the venue has received calls asking if bookings for next year needed to be cancelled.

The Wyvern stands on Theatre Square in Swindon's town centre.

The spread of misinformation was described as frustrating by the theatre director.

"It just causes unnecessary uncertainty," Ms James said.

"It's very much business as usual for us, we're alive and well, vibrant and full of buzz.

"But its making sure that people have that message," she added.

The local plan document included a proposal for a cultural quarter around the existing Theatre Square where "The Wyvern Theatre, or a future replacement, is likely to form a key hub for performing and digital arts including creative studio spaces".

However, the draft local plan also included plans to develop 26,000 homes by 2043, including 8,000 in the town centre. Land currently occupied by The Wyvern and nearby Brunel Shopping centre has been earmarked for development.

Ms James acknowledged that there would come a time when the theatre needed to be replaced, as the capacity of the auditorium would need to be bigger.

"Ultimately the Wyvern will reach the end of its life, it's an old building and it's not big enough to serve a town the size of Swindon," she explained.

"We absolutely want and need a new building in the future, but now the Wyvern is continuing as it always has done."