Arts & Entertainment News Planning Yeovil

£15m Yeovil Octagon Theatre redevelopment plans approved

Paul JonesFebruary 25, 20260 Comment0

A £15 MILLION plan to redevelop the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil has been approved.

Somerset Council’s planning committee has approved plans submitted by Yeovil Town Council and Somerset Council to revamp the venue.

The committee was told the scheme would secure the structural integrity of the 50-year-old building, as well as bringing major improvements to access both front-of-house and backstage.

Upgrades include improved accessibility and new technical equipment designed to support more ambitious productions, including enhanced systems for moving scenery and props.

The decision came after the submission, in October, of an outline business case to the Department of Media, Culture and Sport (DCMS), which is providing the bulk of the funding.

Now, with planning approval, the Octagon team can move ahead with the tender process to appoint a contractor, which will lead to a final business case (FBC) for submission.

Work on the project, if funding is finally apprvoed, would begin during the upcoming financial year, 2026/2027.

Lead member for communities, housing revenue account, culture and equalities, Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts (Lib Dem, Taunton East), 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.”

Cllr Andy Soughton, leader of Yeovil Town Council, went on: “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 plans for the Yeovil Octagon Theatre refresh included:
• 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.

Funding for the project has been controversial, being made up from £10m from the DCMS, £3.75m 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, believed to total around £265,000.

Meanwhile, Yeovil town residents have been asked to contribute to the funding through a 3.3% levy on their council tax to counter the borrowing costs for the town council.