What’s in the script for theatre’s future?

CONCERNS . . . Coliseum

COUNCIL leader Jim McMahon has allayed concerns about the town’s “heritage” buildings, including the Coliseum Theatre.

In September the council approved a four-phase programme to provide a Heritage Centre and Coliseum Theatre over the next decade. The agreement widened the original project to offer greater care for other town centre landmark buildings such as the Lyceum and Local Studies Library and museum.

Councillors worried what this might mean for the current theatre buildings.

Councillor Rod Blyth said: “There is nothing to say what’s going to happen with the old theatre.”

Councillor McMahon said private sector investors have helped with the council’s flagship schemes and that they would be working with organisations such as Heritage England, the Arts Council and Heritage Lottery Fund.

He couldn’t say what would happen to the current buildings, but said he would be happy to talk to councillors to share information.