The financial case for a new theatre for Exeter just doesn't stack up says Paul Bull, theatre practitioner and Labour and Co-operative Councillor for Cowick.
I have been following the conversations on the calls for a new theatre on the Exeter Bus and Coach Station site since they were first raised in Express & Echo by Steve Bloomfield nearly two years ago, (Turn bus station site into new theatre, E&E, March 8, 2012).
I have decided to enter the debate at this stage following the comments made by Jack Passmore on the letters page of last week’s edition – and in particular, “their argument seems to be based on the financial viability of a theatre”.
As a city councillor, I am elected to consider such things; I have to consider the financial viability of a capital expenditure on such a major project. As an elected member to Exeter City Council I have to look at the facts.
Other correspondents have talked about having a large theatre slap bang in the centre of the city. If I understand them correctly, nothing short of a theatre with a capacity of 1,200 plus to rival Plymouth’s Theatre Royal would satisfy their wishes.
I have been following the conversations on the calls for a new theatre on the Exeter Bus and Coach Station site since they were first raised in Express & Echo by Steve Bloomfield nearly two years ago, (Turn bus station site into new theatre, E&E, March 8, 2012).
I have decided to enter the debate at this stage following the comments made by Jack Passmore on the letters page of last week’s edition – and in particular, “their argument seems to be based on the financial viability of a theatre”.
As a city councillor, I am elected to consider such things; I have to consider the financial viability of a capital expenditure on such a major project. As an elected member to Exeter City Council I have to look at the facts.
Other correspondents have talked about having a large theatre slap bang in the centre of the city. If I understand them correctly, nothing short of a theatre with a capacity of 1,200 plus to rival Plymouth’s Theatre Royal would satisfy their wishes.
So let’s explore the financial viability of those desires, shall we?... Read more on the Express and Echo