Architects appointed to help plan Octagon Theatre’s transformation

Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBStudios) has been selected to help design and develop proposed improvements at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil.

Earlier this year, South Somerset District Council’s members unanimously agreed to invest £23 million in the redevelopment of the Octagon Theatre. The vote to proceed followed the Government’s Budget announcement in March which saw £10 million being pledged to help fund the refurbishment of the venue.

Following a successful procurement process, FCBStudios will be appointed and will set out to work on designing a venue which could include:

• Increased seating capacity
• Improved staging facilities that will bring a range of new shows
• A more accessible building for all our guests with accessible toilets on every level, an adult changing facility and inclusivity embedded throughout our venue
• A greener and more sustainable venue that will strive to be carbon neutral
• Two additional spaces; a 126 seat film theatre and 64 seat boutique cinema
• New rehearsal spaces with a community studio and dance studio
• Welcoming and spacious front of house areas with a café open throughout the day and a separate restaurant.

FCBStudios is a multi-award winning architectural and urban design practice which leads the field internationally with a reputation for pioneering environmental expertise and a progressive architectural approach.

Colin Cobb, Associate from FCBStudios said: “We are excited to support the resurgence of performing arts through what could be a major cultural refurbishment project.

“Our aim is to provide a plan which will significantly upgrade and extend the 1970s building to create a modern, multi-faceted venue that is fully accessible and provides up-to-date facilities for a range of arts and community uses.”

Councillor Mike Best, South Somerset District Council’s portfolio holder for Health & Wellbeing, said: “We know what the Octagon Theatre can be – a real gem for arts and entertainment in Somerset and beyond, so we will be ambitious with our proposals and aim to make the venue somewhere that can house some of the best shows in the country and become a hub for culture.”

To help inform the architectural work, we want to hear from you on the initial concepts and enable you to voice your opinions on our proposals. You can take part in the consultation online until Thursday 30 September. You can view all the proposal details online at The Octagon Theatre website.