Trust formed to buy theatre

A new Community Interest Company is being formed to purchase the freehold of Peterborough’s New Theatre and ensure it is maintained as the “anchor” cultural venue for the city centre in perpetuity.

Peter Dawe, whose Dawe Charitable Trust leased the theatre in 2017, before stepping aside in 2019 for the current tenants Selladoor Worldwide to move in - is behind the venture which he describes as “an excellent opportunity for the community to buy the theatre and start to improve its facilities – whilst also protecting its long term future”.

He says the Peterborough New Theatre Trust has negotiated to buy the theatre, in Broadway, from its current landlord - city entrepreneur and restaurant owner Rinaldo Fasulo.

“The Trust believes that communities in and around Peterborough will step forward and either donate or lend most of the cost of the investment, augmented by grants and loans from government agencies, other charities and local philanthropists,” says Mr Dawe, adding that the Trust has already secured £150,000 towards the target.

“At this stage we are looking for Peterborough people to show their support by becoming ‘An Angel of the New Theatre’ by simply emailing Angels@Dawe.co.uk and telling us how they could help buy the theatre. We are particularly looking for people who want to help us promote the Peterborough New Theatre Trust.

“Join our campaign to bring the New Theatre into community ownership, to ensure that Peterborough and its people can continue to benefit from a first-class arts venue.”