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09:19 GMT, Monday, 29 September 2008 10:19 UK

New arts centre plans unveiled

Artist's impression of the new centre

Plans for an arts and innovation centre to replace Theatr Gwynedd have been unveiled by Bangor University.

The options put forward would cost an estimated £25m-30m, and have been developed by Wales Millennium Centre architects Capita Percy Thomas.

The public are being asked what they would like to see in the new building.

Supporters are worried about loss of audiences when the theatre closes in October, as the new building in Bangor will not open until 2011.

The closure of the building and the loss of the Theatr Gwynedd brand, after 30 years, will leave the city without a theatre facility and 12 people will lose their jobs.


"Building could start as early as 18 months from now, and be opened in late 2011, give the availability of funding"

Prof Fergus Lowe, Bangor University


As well as a theatre, the new development could feature lecture theatres, exhibition spaces, a bar and cafe, and an outside amphitheatre.

There are also plans to consider the possibility of a flexible link to allow the theatre to expand to seat 900.

Other facilities would include a replacement nightclub and student's union for the university.

Deputy vice-chancellor of Bangor University, Professor Fergus Lowe said: " This is a tremendously exciting project and is one of the most exciting initiatives of its kind in Wales.

Artist's impression of the inside of the theatre

"We're keen to hear what the local community would like to see in the new development.

"So if anyone is involved in drama, dance, music or any other performance art, we'd like them to let us know what they'd like to see happening in the new development."

Professor Lowe added that the current timescale was for Theatr Gwynedd to close this autumn.

"Now that the feasibility study has been completed on schedule, building could start as early as 18 months from now, and be opened in late 2011, given the availability of funding," he said.

Supporters of the current theatre calling themselves the Voice of Theatr Gwynedd Audiences are critical that the current facility closes before the new centre is ready.

Audiences

They are also dismissive of an offer from the university for any interested theatre groups to use two large halls on the university campus to stage dramas.

"They (the halls) are not facilities for professional theatre companies, unfortunately," said Ann Jones.

"Apart from that there is also the matter of will they be available during the day for rehearsals and technical checks, as they are also used for lectures."

Ms Jones added: "In three years they will have to create an audience from scratch, and that takes a lot of time.

"Losing audiences, on the other hand, can be done overnight."




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Related to this story:
End of an era as theatre closes (15 Jul 08 |  North West Wales )
Theatr Gwynedd to have new home (30 May 07 |  North West Wales )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
BBC north west Wales - Theatr Gwynedd
Bangor University
Theatr Gwynedd, Bangor
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