Culture Minister Jack Sargeant joined Hollywood actor Rhys Ifans and community groups from across North Wales last weekend to celebrate the redevelopment of Theatr Clwyd, Wales’s largest producing theatre.
The £50 million transformation, designed by world-renowned architect Steve Tompkins, includes £26.5 million of Welsh Government funding and represents one of the most significant recent investments in cultural infrastructure in Wales.
The economic impact of the redevelopment for north-east Wales is estimated to reach over £20 million per year, nearly tripling the theatre’s previous economic contribution and creating a minimum of 100 additional permanent jobs.
The newly redeveloped building, which remained largely open as work progressed, houses two theatres, a development studio for professional artists, a cinema, a new bar and restaurant (with Michelin-starred chef Bryn Williams), an arts and health suite and a youth hub. It will be fully completed by late September/October this year.
Saturday’s community-led celebration event marked the first phase of the theatre’s full reopening, with members of 300 local groups invited to tour the redeveloped venue and take part in a special performance.
Speaking at the event, Culture, Skills and Social Partnership Minister Jack Sargeant yesterday said:
I am proud to have delivered this significant Welsh Government investment. Theatr Clwyd is a cultural institution and a place where generations of North Wales residents have experienced memorable performances.
Our investment has delivered a world class facility and created sustainable employment as well as supporting the next generation of skilled professionals, by giving opportunities for apprentices.
Listening to the community groups in attendance today I was reminded of the central role the theatre plays in the lives of North Wales residents. It was the venue for my own introduction to live theatre, and I look forward to bringing my own family here too.
Liam Evans-Ford, Executive Director of Theatr Clwyd, yesterday said:
We are extremely proud of our work at Theatr Clwyd, from the high-quality theatre making and music education, to the referral partnerships and focused delivery with and for communities. This event offers a moment to celebrate the first phase of our opening, and to thank partners such as the Welsh Government. Governments funding arts and culture is deeply important, and this is a significant statement that Welsh Government recognise the work and impact of our work at Theatr Clwyd.
The Welsh Government has increased day-to-day spend on heritage, arts and culture by 8.5% this year and tripled investment in venues and sites compared to a decade ago, including redeveloping Caerphilly Castle and the Football Museum of Wales in Wrexham.