Theatre debate continues

The ongoing debate regarding a theatre in Rochdale continued yesterday (Wednesday 2 April) at the Rochdale Council meeting.

A number of councillors pressed on with the issue and asked Council Leader Councillor Colin Lambert to endorse a piece of land for a theatre and to meet with those behind the theatre campaign.

Councillor Andy Kelly was first to speak as he asked Councillor Lambert to endorse land for a theatre. He said: “Would you be able to
endorse a footprint of land as part of the town centre east developments to build a theatre on?”

Councillor Lambert said: “We can help to facilitate these ideas and warrant a theatre as part of the skills and learning process.”

Councillor Dale Mulgrew, who recently attended a meeting with theatre campaigners, added: “I get the feeling that a theatre would be great here. Would the leader of the council meet with campaigners to hear what ideas they have and meet with GenR8 to discuss plans?”

In response, Councillor Lambert said: “Yes I would be happy to meet any group to hear their ideas but GenR8 is an ongoing development.”

GenR8 Development is the company responsible for the redevelopment of Rochdale Town Centre. Discussions regarding the town centre east
developments have included shopping facilities, leisure facilities and cinema facilities.

Councillor Ian Duckworth also attended the campaign meeting and has fully supported ideas for a theatre in Rochdale.

He added: “There were people high up from the entertainment industry at this meeting. It wouldn’t just be a theatre. It would be used to train people backstage as well. I have said before that I don’t think this is something the council could run but I do think it is something we can help to facilitate.”

Gemma Singleton who is the driving force behind the theatre campaign thinks that by bringing a theatre to Rochdale; it will improve the town’s economy as well as a number of other aspects in the town centre.