Demolition of Telford Theatre's auditorium begins as part of major redevelopment

At the centre of the 'Theatre Quarter project' is the major transformation of Telford Theatre itself, which Telford & Wrekin Council hopes will bring additional footfall to the town.

Plans feature a new foyer, bar and dining area, a second smaller studio theatre seating 98 people, a community art room and upgraded backstage facilities.

The main auditorium will also be redeveloped into a two-tiered venue with an expanded capacity of 756 seats. 

Preparatory work has already been completed including the demolition of the old Oakengates nursery and a soft stripping of the main auditorium. 

Now contractor Garvey Demolition has begun demolishing the main theatre hall which has stood at the centre of Oakengates for decades.

Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council leader, said: “These are exciting times for Oakengates and Telford and Wrekin as we invest significantly in a range of projects across the borough to make it a better place to live, learn, work and socialise for many generations to come.

“Telford Theatre is at the heart of our entertainment offering in the borough and this new facility will bring a brand new theatre to Oakengates with some of the best facilities around. 

“This demolition works is the next chapter in the project and we can’t wait to see the new theatre start to take shape.”

The local authority said the theatre will offer a more diverse cultural programme, with the expansion of the main auditorium and new studio theatre which will benefit existing theatre patrons and attract new audiences from locally and beyond. 

Councillor Angela McClements, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for leisure, tourism, culture and the arts, said: “While the old theatre building holds lots of special memories, this demolition works is making way for a fantastic new facility on our doorstep.

“The new theatre will make Oakengates a more exciting and vibrant place to be and boost the local economy, as well as reducing the theatre’s carbon footprint considerably." 

Oliver Barby, director at Garvey Demolition added: “As a Telford-based contractor working within the local area is important to us and it is a privilege to be involved in this scheme.

“The theatre holds many memories for our workforce who have had great times attending various events over the past 30 years and we will all look forward to using the new facility in the future.

“The demolition works to this point have been interesting as well as challenging to demolish such a building in a safe manner.

“We would like to thank Telford & Wrekin Council for supporting local contractors and giving us this opportunity.”