New Theatre Gets Government Seal of Approval
The Telford Theatre project has been given a national seal of approval with a visit from a senior government figure. Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, came to see the plans for the new state-of-the-art theatre in Oakengates.
The project is already part-funded by £15.6 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
The Secretary of State’s visit coincided with the launch of the new £5 billion Pride in Place programme. This scheme will empower residents and families across the West Midlands to lead the revival of their communities, with people deciding how the funding is spent to restore parks, revive high streets, and breathe new life into community venues.
The major rebuild of Telford Theatre will deliver a new, larger main auditorium and a separate studio theatre, which can support community groups and smaller acts.
New facilities will also include a community art room, a newly transformed foyer, a theatre dining area, and a new bar with upgraded amenities. Modernised backstage facilities will also be a key feature.
The majority of the existing building will be completely rebuilt, transforming both the exterior and interior and supporting the local economy by delivering new jobs and increasing volunteering opportunities.
The expansion will allow the theatre to offer a more diverse cultural programme, benefiting existing theatre patrons and attracting new audiences from across Telford and Wrekin and beyond.
Initial demolition works have now started in Oakengates following the relocation of a local nursery earlier this year. The main construction work on the new building is scheduled to start in 2026, with the theatre expected to reopen in late 2026.
Work to redevelop Oakengates town centre is also well underway as part of the Council’s Theatre Quarter project. This separate scheme is transforming the 1960s shopping precinct and modernising shop frontages.
The West Midlands region has received a total investment of £451 million across 29 areas through the new Pride in Place fund. This includes the Telford and Wrekin area.
Of this national fund, 169 areas will receive £2 million every year for a decade, giving communities certainty and control over their future plans. A further 95 areas will receive an immediate £1.5 million to upgrade public spaces with new green spaces and sports facilities.
Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council Leader, said: “It’s always pleasing to receive national recognition for projects across Telford and Wrekin and we were pleased to welcome the Secretary of State to Oakengates.
“These are exciting times for Oakengates and Telford and Wrekin as we invest significantly in a range of projects across the Borough to make it a better place to live, learn, work and socialise for many generations to come.”
The Secretary of State, Steve Reed, said: “Telford’s theatre transformation exemplifies exactly what our Pride in Place programme will help communities achieve across the country.
“Community assets, like theatres, really bring communities together, instil local pride, boost job opportunities and drive the regional growth that local people can feel.
“I look forward to hearing how people across the West Midlands seize their new powers to drive forward their local priorities.”
