WORK to revamp the Brewhouse Theatre in the centre of Taunton will go ahead even if plans to redevelop the surrounding area are turned down.
Taunton Deane Borough Council is currently consulting on plans to regenerate the Coal Orchard area of the town.
The council also owns the Brewhouse Theatre in the same area, which is operated on its behalf by Taunton Theatre Association (TTA).
The TTA has confirmed that proposals to revamp the theatre will be carried out regardless of what happens to the buildings that surround it.
READ MORE: Plans to redevelop Coal Orchard submitted to council
The Coal Orchard redevelopment plans put forward by the council were granted outline planning permission in April.
The redevelopment will see the existing swimming pool on the site demolished and replaced with new apartments, retail units, restaurants on the waterfront and a gym.
If approved, work could commence in early 2019, with the Brewhouse refurbishment following to create “a new place on the river with culture at its heart.”
The TTA has said that work on revamping the Brewhouse Theatre – which could cost in the region of £20 million – will not begin until 2021 at the earliest, regardless of whether the council’s vision for Coal Orchard is given the green light.
A spokeswoman said: “We have been working with the council on the redevelopment plans for the Brewhouse Theatre since 2015.
“The council is currently finalising the design brief for this project, following extensive feasibility studies, research and business planning.
“The design brief is anticipated to go out for tender at the end of June 2018 and an architect to be appointed in August. We anticipate a detailed designs to be completed in spring 2019 and a detailed planning application being submitted in the summer.
“Work on the Brewhouse redevelopment is planned to follow the completion of the Coal Orchard development, and work on the theatre is anticipated to commence in February 2021.”
READ MORE: £20 million to revamp the Brewhouse Theatre revealed
Taunton Deane residents have until June 22 to submit comments on the Coal Orchard application.
To make a comment visit www.tauntondeane.gov.uk/planning and search for planning reference 38/18/0185.
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