Work begins on Teignmouth's new theatre

Demolition work is due to start on the Carlton site, Teignmouth, on Monday 29 September.

Teignbridge District Council has appointed Weaver Demolition Ltd to carry out the construction work which will see a new landmark building replacing the current theatre. The work signals the end of an era but the dawn of an exciting new beginning for the town and the district.

This initial phase of work will see contractors setting up and preparing the site so the current building is ready for demolition. This will be ongoing with completion due in December and work on the building due to start in January 2015.

It is hoped the doors to the new Carlton Pavilion, for which Teignbridge invested £2.5million in capital funds secured from the town’s Morrisons development, will open in December 2015.

The new centre will include a 210-seated auditorium, eight work hubs, a café, function room, meeting rooms, a gallery, exhibition space and a foyer and box office.

Cllr Stuart Barker, Teignbridge District Council's Deputy Leader and Executive Spokesman for Assets and Resources, said:

“It’s really good news that the work is starting. The vision is well on its way to becoming a reality and the shape of Teignmouth will change, making it an even better place for residents and visitors. It will be really exciting for people to see the work take place.

“We realise the work involves activities that may cause some disruption to those living and working nearby but we, alongside our contractors, are taking steps to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum throughout the contract.”

A Board of Trustees has been formed to drive the Carlton Pavilion project forward.

Margaret Davidson, Steve Walsh, Roger Smith, Roger Sell, Richard Brett and Mandy Pearse have extensive experience in a range of fields including financial management, marketing, public relations, project management, theatre management and community engagement.

With their considerable expertise they will be ambassadors for the new long-lasting community building.

Trust Chairman Ms Davidson said: “We are excited to be a part of this landmark project. It will provide a fantastic space for the community and support both the arts and enterprise in the Teignmouth area. It will also vastly improve the seafront and make Teignmouth an even more attractive place for local people and visitors.”

For more information about the project visit Teignbridge's dedicated webpage: www.teignbridge.gov.uk/carlton

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