Culture Minister 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 ), 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 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, 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.
Notes to editors
- In addition to the Welsh Government's investment, the project
has been supported by Flintshire County Council (£9.5 million),
Arts Council of Wales (£5 million), the UK Government's
Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and over £7.5 million
from private funders.
- Theatr Clwyd's Creative Engagement department works with over
6,800 people annually and provides music education in 74 schools,
supporting more than 3,000 people to learn musical instruments
every week.
