A PLANNED £29million upgrade of a flagship arts venues can move to the next phase after councillors agreed to begin the tendering process, writes Daniel Mumby.

South Somerset District Council announced its intention in December 2020 to upgrade Yeovil's Octagon Theatre, expanding and enhancing the building to attract bigger shows and higher-profile acts.

The council has confirmed the venue will close its doors in April, having previously agreed to increase the project’s budget by £6million due to rising construction costs.

Members of the council’s district executive committee have now agreed the project can move forward to formal tender, provided the full council ratifies the decision later this month.

The tender process will see different building contractors formally bid to carry out the work, which is intended to secure the venue’s future as a flagship arts venue in Somerset and the wider region.

The revamped Octagon Theatre will include:

  • increased seating capacity in the main auditorium from 622 to 900, with enhanced technical facilities to improve the comfort for audiences;
  • two new smaller cinema/studio spaces, predominately for film screenings, but also able to host smaller-scale live performances;
  • a dance studio to become the home of the Octagon Academy and all dance classes;
  • a community studio for additional classes and as a rehearsal room for choirs, theatre groups and arts and craft workshops;
  • an improved café/bar area;
  • improved front-of-house and customer facilities;
  • improved backstage accessibility;
  • a fly tower, enabling larger visiting companies to use the venue;
  • a changing places toilet for people with additional needs.

Cllr Mike Best, portfolio holder for health and well-being, said: “We see the redevelopment of this flagship arts venue as not only about the redevelopment of a building, but also being able to reach out into the community to improve access to the arts.

“This decision reaffirms our commitment to deliver this not only district-wide, but across Somerset and beyond.

“As the new unitary Somerset Council is established, and in line with the anticipated delivery of a new cultural strategy for Somerset, there will be opportunities to develop a more considered culture offer across Somerset.”