Archived press release

Date Published: 12/04/07

A dramatic transformation is in store for a site in the centre of Aylesbury when building work on a prestigious new theatre begins this month. This exciting arts and entertainment venue is set to be built on the southern side of Exchange Street, ...

A dramatic transformation is in store for a site in the centre of Aylesbury when building work on a prestigious new theatre begins this month.

This exciting arts and entertainment venue is set to be built on the southern side of Exchange Street, on the area which is currently being used as the Bear Brook and Canalside (front) car parks.

A contract has been let for the preliminary works and site hoardings will be erected around the perimeter of the site from 16 April to mark the start of construction. The hoardings will carry information about the theatre project as it progresses and there will be viewing windows so passers-by can see what’s happening on site.

The new development is part of the council’s Waterside scheme – an ambitious project to transform Aylesbury town centre, which will also create a new shopping area in Exchange Street and a new 525 space multi-storey car park and over 200 homes in Walton Street. Further east at Circus Field there will be a mix of residential development and a new canal basin with residential moorings.

The new theatre will be much bigger than the current Civic Centre and is expected to attract upwards of 300,000 visitors each year. The main hall will be able to accommodate 1,200 people for seated events, such as drama or dance productions, or 1,800 for standing events such as rock concerts. The venue also contains a second space for up to 220 people, suitable for smaller drama productions, conferences, workshops and community use.

As well as the theatre, there will be a new pedestrian bridge over Bear Brook, which will also be realigned as part of the soft landscaping that will make an attractive open area surrounding the theatre. A number of existing trees will also be retained.

The advanced work contract being undertaken by Cheetham Hill Construction Ltd will involve preparatory work, including a minor diversion of Bear Brook and constructing a bridge to provide a new exit for vehicles.

The major construction project has been tendered and the announcement of the main contractor for the work will be made shortly. A separate contract for the foundation works will then begin in the autumn.

Bear Brook and Canalside (front) car parks will close from 16 April to allow work to start on the new theatre. People looking for long stay parking are advised to use Friarscroft car park (behind Morrison’s supermarket), which is just a short walk from the town centre.

AVDC’s Director of Environment and Planning, Norman Skedge, who is overseeing the theatre development, said: “After much hard work by everyone involved in the theatre project, it’s really exciting to finally be able to confirm that construction is about to begin. The theatre is a major leisure development for Aylesbury Vale and will be a great boost to the local economy and culture in our area. Final details are now being concluded and we are looking forward to marking the start of the first phase of the project.”

The venue has been designed by internationally renowned theatre architects Arts Team, who have designed theatres worldwide. Norman Bragg, Principal Director of Arts Team, said: “I am delighted that the theatre is now set to commence construction on site – marking the beginning of a new cultural opportunity for the people of Aylesbury.”

It is expected that construction will take just over two years and that the theatre building will be completed in late autumn 2009 with the entertainment programme likely to commence in spring 2010. In the meantime, the Civic Centre will continue to offer a full programme of events.

A virtual tour inside the new theatre is on the AVDC website. To find out more visit www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk