A POTENTIAL £23million investment for the arts in South Somerset is set to be debated in January.

The project would add a fly tower and circle to The Octagon Theatre in Yeovil, so the seating could be increased from 622 to 900.

Money would also be spent on making the theatre more accessible, with two boutique spaces and an improved Cafe Hub with separate restaurant areas.

South Somerset District Council (SSDC) is set to debate whether to agree in principle to progress the development on January 7.

If this is agreed - and a further report has been bought to the Executive Committee once the financial implications are confirmed - the Octagon Theatre staff can then apply to funders, to reduce the amount required from the council.

The council will aim to secure around £5million from national funding bodies (such as Arts Council England) and then £250,000 through local funding.

They will also secure funding from other grant making bodies, such as recovery grants.

Councillor Mike Best, portfolio holder for Health & Well-Being at SSDC, said: “Potentially, this could be a massive investment within South Somerset, making this premier venue even more attractive to visitors and also performers; so we really could open up the market for attracting bigger and better performances here in the South West.

“This is a key decision for my fellow councillors to make because of the large investment, but a project plan and the finances involved have been scrutinised by everyone so far involved in the project.

"The project has the potential to pay for itself over time and not cost the taxpayer a penny.

"This really could mark a major investment for the local area, with wide reaching benefits for our communities across the region.”

Last year (2019), The Octagon Theatre sold tickets to 125,000 people and thousands took part in the weekly classes.

Councillor Peter Seib, portfolio holder for Finance, added: “The Octagon is a fantastic draw, bringing visitors in from across the region whilst delivering huge social value by supporting many local performance groups.

"However, the theatre urgently needs a significant amount of money spending on repairs just to stay open and it is reliant on council taxpayer subsidy.

“What is proposed is a step-change investment to transform the offer, bringing national touring shows and competing with major centres like Bristol whilst still keeping its local arts scene focus.

"An enlarged Octagon would be highly sustainable."