Archived press release

Date Published: 07/08/06

Plans for a new multi-million pound theatre and entertainment centre in Aylesbury have taken a step closer to becoming reality. After lengthy consultations, a planning application has now been submitted for the proposed successor to the Civic Cen...

Plans for a new multi-million pound theatre and entertainment centre in Aylesbury have taken a step closer to becoming reality.

After lengthy consultations, a planning application has now been submitted for the proposed successor to the Civic Centre.

Aylesbury Vale District Council and internationally-renowned theatre architects, Arts Team, have been working together on the proposals.

Councillor John Cartwright, Leader of the Council, said: “It has taken quite a while to get to this stage as detailed consultations had to be carried out with residents, councillors and user groups to ensure their views were taken into consideration. There’s a rigorous planning process ahead, but we’re confident that the application can meet the necessary criteria. Once that’s complete, we’ll be able to provide a first-class arts and entertainment venue for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

As the planning authority, district councillors are expected to deal with the planning application in October. If it’s all given the go-ahead, building work is expected to start by the summer of 2007.

The £25 million arts and entertainment venue will be built on the southern side of Exchange Street, where the former Bucks Herald and Wilkins Solicitors offices were located. The land will be used as temporary car parking prior to building work on the theatre beginning.

Proposed features for the complex include a 1,200-seat auditorium, which can be converted to a 1800-capacity hall. The new venue would also feature foyer areas, bars, a function suite and a box office.

The architectural design has been inspired by the neighbouring Chiltern Hills and surrounding woodland areas, which is demonstrated by the use of timber columns on the exterior of the building and the undulating roof. Wrapped around the building is a sculpted slate plinth which rises and falls.

Timber features provide a modern stylish finish to the adaptable auditorium that incorporates a fly tower, balconies and main seating area. The auditorium is designed to cater primarily for rock and pop concerts, but could also be used for ballet, opera and theatre performances.

The function suite will have a 225-seat capacity and could be used for a variety of purposes, such as dance and drama recitals, exhibitions, workshops and screenings. Special retractable seating would mean that the function suite could also be used for meetings and conferences.

Accessibility is also a key feature of the venue, with disabled amenities provided for performers and audiences. The theatre will also have some of the most up-to-date stage equipment, sound and lighting technology.

Outside of the theatre, a new public space will be created to the north west of the site, with new shrubs planted and seating and lighting installed. A new pedestrian crossing close to the theatre entrance will also be put in place.

Landscaping of Bear Brook will take place to create a ‘nature corridor’ along the length of the site. Under the proposals, the brook will be widened to encourage a more diverse aquatic habitat. A new footbridge over Bear Brook is also planned.

The venue will be managed by external commercial operators and it is anticipated that an appointment will be made by the end of the year.

The theatre development is part of the council’s Waterside scheme – an ambitious project to redevelop Aylesbury town centre. The scheme will also create a new shopping area on the northern side of Exchange Street, which includes a department and food store, and housing developments alongside the canal and at Circus Field.

Suzie Bridges, Arts Team Director, said: “We are delighted with the planning application design proposals for the new theatre in Aylesbury, and with the support this landmark project has received throughout the consultation process. The theatre will replace the Civic Theatre, and will increase opportunities for professional and community participation in the arts, whilst playing a major role in transforming and extending the town centre through to the Aylesbury canal basin.”