Somerset Council has agreed to spend £1.4 million to progress the regeneration of the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil, just two weeks before launching a public consultation on the venue’s future.
Initially, the council planned a £30 million overhaul of the theatre, which closed temporarily in April 2023. However, due to rising inflation and interest rates, this ambitious plan was paused in October 2023. The project has since been reconfigured to a more modest £15 million redevelopment. Officers aim to submit updated business cases to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) by autumn 2025.
Yeovil Town Council, which will manage the theatre post-renovation, opened a formal consultation on August 13. Residents are invited to review the scaled-down proposals, which include a council tax increase to cover operating costs.
Despite the pending consultation, Somerset Council officers approved an urgent £1.4 million expenditure on the next phase of design work on July 30. This investment is critical to maintaining momentum and adhering to the project timeline.
Revised artist impressions reveal a revitalized theatre featuring a light-filled atrium, a large café bar, and a dance studio. Enhancements to the front-of-house area will include additional toilets, a changing places facility, and improved accessibility. While the original plan aimed to expand seating capacity to 900, the updated proposal retains roughly 620 seats—close to the theatre’s original capacity. The main auditorium will receive new seating and carpets.
Council Deputy Leader Liz Leyshon emphasized the importance of including a fly tower for stage sets within the £15 million budget, as it is essential for attracting larger productions to Somerset. “Without the fly tower, Yeovil Town Council wouldn’t be able to expand the theatre’s program,” Leyshon explained.
Funding for the project primarily comes from a £10 million DCMS grant secured in March 2021. Yeovil Town Council will contribute nearly £4 million, partly funded through borrowing and supported by a proposed 3.3% increase in its share of council tax, set to be approved in February 2026. This equates to an average increase of £11.60 annually, or 22p per week for a Band D household. Most residents, living in lower tax bands, will pay less. Additional funds will come from ticket levies, Somerset Council, contributions tied to local housing developments, and grants.
Keeping the theatre closed currently costs the council roughly £140,000 annually. The forthcoming design work phase is estimated at £1.725 million, split between the two councils. To date, £776,000 has been invested in preliminary design stages. The approved £1.4 million funding break down includes £700,000 from Yeovil Town Council, £654,609 from Somerset Council, and £45,391 from grants and other sources. Chris Hall, Executive Director for Community, Place & Economy, stated, “This spend is critical to progress phase two and to keep the project on schedule for reopening in autumn 2028.” Failure to advance the design work could delay the project and risk losing the DCMS grant.
Councillors voiced differing perspectives on progress and funding. Liberal Democrat Henry Hobhouse urged seeking additional donations from affluent arts patrons, while Edric Hobbs expressed concern that reduced seating might push ticket prices too high. Marcus Kravis questioned potential further delays, and Conservative Susannah Hart criticized the project’s timing, citing other council priorities.
Yeovil Town Council is inviting local residents to participate in the consultation until September 21. Letters have been sent to every household. Drop-in events at the Westlands Entertainment Venue are scheduled for August 28 and September 3. Council leader Andy Soughton encouraged participation, calling the theatre a vital cultural asset.
Following consultation, the council will submit a formal planning application for public review. Pending approval, construction is expected to start in 2026, with the DCMS grant released. The fully refurbished theatre will then transfer to Yeovil Town Council’s management before reopening to the public.