AMBITIOUS proposals for a new 500-seat theatre in Worcester’s former Scala Theatre and Corn Exchange have been slashed by almost half, the city council has revealed.
The Policy and Resources Committee will meet on Tuesday (July 25) and be asked to agree to scale back the plans for the Scala in Angel Street, reducing its seating capacity from 500 to 300.
A ‘dramatic’ increase in construction costs caused by a number of factors, including the current high rate of inflation, has left the council with a funding gap of around £3.5million from its original plans.
Committee members will be asked to support a new option which will reduce costs but still enable the venue to open as a new centre for live entertainment, music, comedy and more with 300 removeable seats.
Food and drinks will be served in the daytime and evenings in the adjoining Cornmarket building, under the new plans.
Senior Labour voices, including council joint leader Coun Lynn Denham have pledged a ‘greater level of democratic oversight of the project’.
“The Scala is a beautiful building, but investment in buildings is no good unless you bring the people along with you, and that’s what we’re now going to do,” she said.
“It is time for proper involvement with the grassroots organisations whose support will be key to the Scala’s long-term success.
“There are still significant sums of money available from the Future High Streets Fund.
“By involving the city’s creative communities, we believe the next phase of the Scala’s life will truly reflect the needs of the Worcester arts scene
Labour deputy leader Coun Jabba Riaz added costs for the project had ‘spiralled’ and the the council would review how it found itself this position.
David Blake, Worcester City Council managing director, said: “Rising costs are having an impact on every aspect of our lives and unfortunately the council’s ambitions for the Scala are no exception.
“There are still many issues to be addressed, including the development of a viable business plan for the venue and agreeing construction timescales with the Government.
“But I hope with these new proposals we can make the revamped Scala a reality and that the Policy and Resources Committee will support this recommendation.”
The current planning application for the venue will be paused and the council will discuss its revised scheme with the Department for Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities.
The aim is to get permission to extend the timescale for spending the Future High Streets Fund cash on the project.
The current deadline is March 2024.
