Plans to transform Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre into one of the South West’s leading cultural and entertainment venues have moved a step closer.
Somerset Council’s planning committee has approved plans submitted by a partnership between Yeovil Town Council and Somerset Council that will see the development of a £15 million plan to not only secure the structural integrity of the 50-year-old building for decades to come, but will include major improvements to access both front of house and backstage.
Upgrades include improved accessibility throughout the venue and new technical equipment designed to support more ambitious productions, including enhanced systems for moving scenery and props.
Following the submission in October of an outline business case to the Department of Media, Culture and Sport, which is providing the bulk of the funding, the team can now move ahead with the tender process to appoint a contractor. Once this has been done the project team can prepare the final business case (FBC) for submission.
It is expected work would begin during the 2026/2027 financial year.
Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Communities, Housing Revenue Account, Culture and Equalities, Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts said: “”Securing planning permission is a big step forward for this ambitious project.
“We now have the green light to move to the next stage in delivering a modern, accessible and vibrant theatre that will serve Somerset for generations.
“This project is a major public investment, and we remain committed to delivering it responsibly, on time and on budget.”
Councillor Andy Soughton, Leader of Yeovil Town Council, “The Octagon Theatre is central to the cultural life of Yeovil, and planning approval is fantastic news for our community. For 50 years the theatre has been woven into the memories of local people, and this upgrade ensures it will continue to thrive for the next 50.
The improved facilities will strengthen Yeovil’s offer, boost our local economy and provide an even better venue for audiences and the many talented groups who call The Octagon their home.”
The refurbishment includes:
• The replacement/renewal of the plant, machinery and physical infrastructure of the building – investment to meet current compliance requirements and provide resilience.
• Improving accessibility for all, including additional accessible toilets throughout the building for customers, a changing places facility and an accessible dressing room, also with accessible toilet and shower.
• Renewing and improving the auditorium and rehearsal space for a better audience experience and wider participation.
• Reorganisation and significant improvement of front of house facilities – significant benefits for audience experience, particularly for trading incomes from food and drink.
• Backstage accessibility improvements to ensure comprehensive accessibility.
• Plans to improve the environmental impact of the venue – energy efficiency measures/sustainable practices.
• Increased revenue from front-of-house facilities.
• Improvements to the stage house and backstage area will significantly improve the technical aspects of our productions. Raising the roof will enable the team to fly cloths out and a backstage crossover will support the ambitions of the theatre programme and talented local community groups.
The funding is made up from £10 million from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), £3.75 million from Yeovil Town Council, which is made up from a loan and reserves plus just over £1.25 million made up of ticket levy income, fundraising and 106 contributions via Somerset Council.
