Joe SkirkowskiWest of England
Somerset CouncilA theatre could get a new auditorium and rehearsal spaces as part of a £15m revamp.
Plans for Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre – which shut in 2023 – have been submitted to Somerset Council, after being developed as part of a partnership between the local authority and Yeovil Town Council.
The proposals include work to make the building more environmentally efficient and improve its structural integrity, as well as improving accessibility.
“This is a major milestone for this exciting project, it’s fantastic to see the plans being submitted and get a glimpse of what it will look like,” said Federica Smith-Roberts, Somerset Council’s lead for communities, housing revenue, culture and equalities
“We are committed to the project being on budget and on time, our aim is to see an improved Octagon Theatre, that has been modernised to be enjoyed by everyone from across Somerset and further afield,” she added.
As part of the proposals, work would also be done to improve front-of-house facilities as a way of generating revenue, the council said.
The councils have submitted a business case to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to try and secure £10m of funding for the project once it has planning permission.
They are work working through a number of Royal Institute of British Architect (RIBA) stages, ahead of submitting a final business case in 2026 after a contractor has been appointed.
Yeovil Town Council leader Andy Soughton said: “Many of our residents have grown up with visits to The Octagon being an important part of their lives.
“The Octagon brings people from the surrounding area into our town, providing an economic boost for our businesses and being a place that bring us together for great entertainment.
“It is vital for Yeovil and Somerset and our aim is to both ensure it is fit for purpose for years to come and to significantly improve it as a venue,” he added.
If approved, work is expected to begin during the 2026/27 financial year.
