Plans to protect the future of Century Theatre to be considered

Plans to develop and protect a unique Coalville theatre have been set out.

One proposal is to focus on developing the Century Theatre as a sustainable performing arts venue for the local community, rather than as a museum object.

The theatre was acquired by the authority in 1996 as a museum exhibit. In recent times, visitors to the 225-seat theatre have become accustomed to witnessing shows delivered by performing arts companies or watching films at its cinema.

Proposals also include transferring management of the venue to its traded services team.

 
The Century Theatre has and always will be an important historical building and will continue to be recognised, supported and maintained with respect to this.

“We are proposing to focus on its role as a performance venue for the local community and visitors from outside the county both now and in the future.

Person:Council leader Nick Rushton
 
This is not the only change planned for the theatre. Plans to provide a new café extension to the building were approved earlier in May as part of the development of the Snibston colliery site and country park. 

The plans also include:

Creating a heritage trail so people can learn more about the former colliery’s historic pithead buildings;
Improving the country park, with picnic tables, outdoor play area and mountain bike trail;
Creating a car park and pedestrian walkway;
Outline planning permission to develop 144 homes on part of the site – this would part-fund the project;
Preparatory work, including tree-felling, fences and footpath improvements.
 
The work is designed to celebrate Snibston’s mining history and make the park more attractive to visitors.

“These are major plans for Coalville, bringing Snibston’s unique past to life and building much-needed housing.

Person:Council leader Nick Rushton
 
The plan will be discussed by our Cabinet on 12 June and Adult and Communities Scrutiny Committee next Tuesday (5 June).