The much-loved Towngate Theatre has been “saved” from demolition and could be revamped by Basildon Council, the leader has announced — but concerns have been raised about the cost to taxpayers.
Basildon’s Towngate Theatre had been at risk under plans for a 3,500‑capacity “Basildon Arena”, first proposed by the previous Labour-led administration.
However, Tory council leader Andy Barnes has now confirmed the venue will instead be refurbished and retained.
A “Westgate masterplan” had suggested the theatre could be replaced as part of wider redevelopment in the town centre.
The arena scheme, introduced by former leader Gavin Callaghan, was estimated to cost £50million and, according to Mr Barnes, could have made the Towngate redundant.
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Mr Callaghan said the theatre currently requires around £500,000 a year in taxpayer subsidy, adding the proposed arena would have generated an estimated £2.2million annually and created about 100 jobs. Labour’s plan included temporarily relocating performances to Raquel’s nightclub.
Mr Barnes said the future of the arena will be decided “very soon” but insisted the Towngate is now safe regardless.
"We said before the elections that the Towngate may be under threat and there was no appetite to get rid of it," he said.
He added a slightly increased capacity and an improvement in the look of the theatre are on the cards as part of a refurbishment plan for the venue, in a bid to preserve staple events.
"The pantomime is such a fixture during Christmas time, I am pleased to be able to reassure residents that it will continue," he said.
"The plan that they had for the arena would have involved getting rid of the Towngate Theatre," he said. "Whatever the merits of the arena, the Towngate is a fixture here."
Mr Callaghan raised concerns over how the refurbishment will be funded, and said: "The Towngate Theatre loses money every single year.
"That’s not a criticism of the staff, performers or community groups who use it, it’s simply a financial reality."
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