Research costing £25,000 to decide theatre's future

Rotherham Council will spend £25,000 on a study looking at the future of Rotherham Civic Theatre.

The research will inform a council decision on whether the 65-year-old venue - a former church - should be renovated or replaced, following concerns about its structural viability.

Experts have suggested the building, on Doncaster Gate, could reach the end of its useful life within the next decade unless significant repairs are made.

The roof and structure are understood to need substantial investment in order to remain operational, but there are concerns the costs could be prohibitive.

The council-funded research will also assess local demand for a performing arts venue in the town centre, and gather feedback on what types of performances and events would attract the biggest audiences.

The council will then evaluate the options for the theatre's future, including whether to refurbish the current building or develop a new venue elsewhere in the town.

The study will also come up with a financial strategy for the venue, outlining how ticket sales and events held at the theatre could contribute a sustainable income and support the venue's long-term feasibility.

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council's next steps in the regeneration of the town centre as a whole will be guided by the findings, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The conclusions of the research will be shared with the public and stakeholders, to allow for further feedback before any major decisions are taken.

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