How the new-look Octagon Theatre in Yeovil could appear if plans are approved. Picture: Somerset Council

Arts & Entertainment News Planning Yeovil

Plans for £15m revamp of the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil submitted

Paul JonesDecember 23, 20250 Comment0

PLANS for a £15 million redevelopment of the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil have been submitted.

The scheme, a partnership between Yeovil Town Council and Somerset Council, would see the venue secured “for decades to come”, the authorities said.

The plans include major changes to access both front of house and backstage, as well as technology updates to the technical workings of the theatre and the surroundings.

Last month, the two councils submitted an outline business case for the scheme to The Department of Media, Culture and Sport, which is providing the bulk of the funding, and the team is now moving through a number of Royal Institute of British Architect (RIBA) stages towards submitting a final business case for the funding.

The project has currently completed the RIBA 3 stage (design). The final business case (FBC) will be submitted in 2026 once planning permission has been secured and a successful tender process to appoint a contractor has concluded, with work earmarked to begin during the 2026/27 financial year.

Somerset Council’s lead member for communities, housing revenue account, culture and equalities, Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, said: “This is a major milestone for this exciting project, it’s fantastic to see the plans being submitted and get a glimpse of what it will look like.

“This is the development of a public building, using Government money and there is a detailed set of stages to follow. It is vital we put together a robust business case.

“We are committed to the project being on budget and on time, our aim is to see an improved Octagon Theatre, that has been modernised to be enjoyed by everyone from across Somerset and further afield.”

Councillor Andy Soughton, leader of Yeovil Town Council, added: “The Octagon Theatre has played a hugely important role in the life of Yeovil town for 50 years. Many of our residents have grown up with visits to The Octagon being an important part of their lives.

“The Octagon brings people from the surrounding area into our town, providing an economic boost for our businesses and being a place that bring us together for great entertainment – it is vital for Yeovil and Somerset and our aim is to both ensure it is fit for purpose for years to come and to significantly improve it as a venue.”

The proposed refurbishment of the Octagon in Yeovil 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, 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.
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 aim to improve technical aspects of productions.
Raising the roof will enable the Octagon team to fly cloths out and a backstage crossover will support the ambitions of the theatre programme and community groups.

Funding for the project is made up of £10m from the DCMS, £3.75m – including a controversial council tax levy – plus £1.25m made up of ticket levy income, fundraising and 106 contributions via Somerset Council.