Reimagining a new start for popular theatre
CONSTRUCTION has begun on a multimillionpound redevelopment of one of our region’s much-loved venues, Octagon Theatre Bolton, with keys now officially handed over to contractors Wilmott Dixon.
The Octagon Reimagined project promises to set the stage for the next 50 years, transforming the building and improving customer experience, updating backstage facilities, increasing accessibility and enabling a wider reach of community work.
Chief executive of the Theatre Roddy Gauld commented: ‘This is a momentous day in our ambitious plans to transform the theatre. We are delighted to be working with Wilmott Dixon and to entrust them with the Octagon.
“At the end of the project we will have a building that is welcoming and accessible for more people to enjoy and will provide world-class facilities to ensure the future of theatre being made in Bolton.’
With the majority of the budget already secured from Bolton council and Arts Council England, along with trust and foundations, businesses and major donors, there is still an ongoing fundraising campaign to raise to the final £700,000.
To find out more about the public fundraising appeal visit www. octagonbolton.co.uk/ re-imagined.
Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor Linda Thomas, GMCA lead for culture, arts and leisure, said ‘We are delighted that work is now starting on redeveloping the Octagon which will further raise its and Bolton’s profile. It provides a superb arts and cultural resource for the borough and the theatre is also an important part of our masterplan to redevelop the town centre.
The Octagon has been providing a fantastic service for 50 years, producing high calibre theatre productions and doing much-valued educational and community work.’
Ian Tabbron, Senior Relationship Manager, North for the Arts Council added: ‘The Arts Council is very pleased to be supporting the Octagon’s redevelopment. It will provide the communities of Bolton and Greater Manchester with a theatre fit for the twentieth first century and encourage many more and different people to visit and experience all that the Octagon has to offer.’
This redevelopment will be the most comprehensive in the theatre’s history, transforming the Octagon to support local communities for years to come. While the building work is taking place, the Octagon will still have productions taking place across Bolton such as the recent excellent productions of Gulliver’s Travels, Summer Holiday and the upcoming And Did Those Feet.
The theatre is set to reopen in early 2020.
Visit https:// octagonbolton.co.uk/