The proposed development at Kimmerfields has received a further boost after Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle confirmed the Government remains committed to helping unlock up to £20 million in funding for the scheme.
In a letter to Swindon South MP Heidi Alexander, Mr Kyle said officials from the Department for Business and Trade were working with the council to accelerate the development of the business case required to secure the funding.
He described the proposed 2,000-capacity theatre and concert venue as “an exciting project for the local community” and said it would play an important role in Swindon’s wider regeneration ambitions and its bid to become UK City of Culture 2029.
The £20 million funding allocation was announced earlier this year through the Government’s Growth Mission Fund. However, a detailed business case must be completed before the money can be formally released.
Questions had been raised about the future of the project following May’s local elections and the change in political control at Swindon Borough Council.
However, Councillor Matthew Vallender, Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, has confirmed the new administration intends to continue progressing the scheme. He told Swindon 24:
“The new administration supports the principle of delivering a new entertainment venue for Swindon.
“We intend to continue progressing the Kimmerfields location, where work was originally initiated under the previous Conservative administration.
“The Council will also continue developing the business case required to unlock the £20 million of government funding secured for the project.
“Once that work is complete, we will carefully assess the full financial and commercial case before making any final commitment to proceed. At present, no alternative locations are under consideration.”
The comments provide reassurance that the project continues to enjoy support despite changes in control at both local and national government level since the plans first emerged.
The venue is earmarked for the former bus station site at Kimmerfields. It would replace the ageing Wyvern Theatre and provide a larger space capable of hosting major touring productions, concerts, comedy performances and other live events.
Council leaders have previously said the development could help drive wider regeneration in the town centre by attracting visitors, investment and increased footfall.
The next stage of the project will see the completion of the business case, which will determine whether the scheme receives final Government approval and can move towards construction.
