Contact Us

Address:
The Guildhall
Frankwell Quay
Shrewsbury
SY3 8HQ
 
Telephone:
01743 281185
 
email:
projects@shrewsbury.gov.uk

Have Your Say

Your Questions Answered

This page is regularly updated with questions that the project team have been asked about the New Entertainment Venue. The questions are grouped into themes which you can jump to by clicking on the quick links below, or you can scroll through to see all the questions that have been raised.

You will notice each question is followed by some information in brackets, this indicates when and where the question was first raised.

Don't forget to check our forum for your views on the New Entertainment Venue.

Quick Links:

A) Performance Spaces

AQ1. Will there be enough legroom in the New Entertainment Venue? (25.05.05, Information Event)
AA1. Yes, both performance spaces in the NEV have been designed to maximise sightlines, seat numbers and comfort. In addition a range of wheelchair spaces have been incorporated in the design and will be available on every level of the building, above and beyond the minimum requirements.

AQ2. Will the studio theatre be a comfortable and prestigious space, even though it is designed to be adaptable? (31.05.05, Information Event)
AA2. The studio seating will feature retractable 'bleacher' seating, but this will still be comfortable seating. The space itself will be well equipped to be used in a variety of ways, such as theatre in the round performances. The studio space is in no way a 'second' space to the main auditorium and will be a great asset to the NEV and its users.

AQ3.  Are 650 seats enough? (31.05.05, Information Event)
AA3. At one part of the design process 1200 seats were planned, but it was concluded that this would be too many for Shrewsbury, especially considering other venues within an hour or so drive away. We don't want to be in direct competition with the really big theatres, but have planned to attract a combination of high quality national productions and a range of local groups and events. With the current design of 650 seats the subsidy given to the Music Hall/NEV is calculated not to increase (it is predicted it will decrease), but this could in no way be guaranteed with a larger venue.

AQ4. Could the studio be designed as a theatre in the round? (04.06.06, Information Event)
AA4. If the studio was designed to be permanently used as a theatre in the round it would limit who would and could use it, for example there are very few companies that tour with in the round productions, and the NEV will not be a producing house. The nature of the studio is that it is robust and adaptable, so theatre in the round performances can be accommodated on a temporary basis.

AQ5. What is the size of the stage in the main auditorium? (04.06.06, Information Event)
AA5. The size of the stage has been set by national norms, and therefore will be able to accommodate the vast majority of performances. The main auditorium stage size is 11m x 11m. The studio is flexible but the main area measures 14.3m x 9m.

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B) Restaurant and Bar Facilities

BQ1. Will there be enough bars at the NEV? (25.05.05, Information Event)
BA1. There will be refreshment facilities on levels 1 and 2 of the NEV. The main bar will be on the first floor (the same floor as the stalls and foyer); the second floor will have a café/bar.

BQ2. Who will manage the catering at the theatre? (April 07, email query)
BA2. The catering will be managed in-house.

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C Traffic and Access

CQ1. Will the NEV increase traffic problems that are already an issue in Frankwell? (25.05.05, Information Event)
CA1. The design team is working with the County Council Highways Agency to ensure a suitable solution is found. The peak traffic times of the NEV will be different from the current peak traffic times in Frankwell. Unlike the Music Hall the NEV has excellent parking facilities already in place so should in fact reduce some traffic, as currently people have to drive all around the town centre trying to find a parking space. It has also been asserted that any increase of traffic to the Frankwell area will bring with it increased prosperity and economic benefits. The NEV will be run by SABC only, meaning that traffic to and from the NEV can be managed and controlled. The proposed solution will be thoroughly tested as part of the planning application process.

CQ2. Will there be a coach drop-off point outside the NEV? (25.05.05, Information Event)
CA2.  Not directly outside, although two disabled drop-off spaces have been designed outside the NEV. Coaches will be available to drop off outside the Guildhall. There may be a coach parking area incorporated into Frankwell car park. The solution will be a vast improvement on the current arrangement at the Music Hall, where coaches have to stop outside St Chad's church.

CQ3. Will lorries have to reverse into Frankwell when leaving the NEV? (25.05.05, Information Event)
CA3. Yes, some vehicles will need to reverse from the studio space entrance. The road area around the NEV is being re-designed with SCC Highways department, most probably incorporating a yellow box junction to ensure traffic runs smoothly. This aspect will be covered as part of the developing transport plan and the proposed solution will be thoroughly tested as part of the planning application process.

CQ4. Will there be improvements to local transport as part of the NEV project? It is currently very difficult for people travelling from surrounding villages to get in and out of Shrewsbury in the evening. (04.06.06, Information Event)
CA4. The reality is that the majority of the NEV users will arrive and depart by car, and in this respect the adjacent car park will be a great asset. Public transport is a major challenge to all local authorities and individuals; no specific changes to public transport are included as part of the NEV project.

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D) Community Use

DQ1. Will smaller groups be able to afford the cost of performing in the NEV? (25.05.05, Information Event)
DA1. Yes, this is intended especially for the studio space. The NEV is being designed for the community to use, as well as an opportunity to see excellent outside productions.

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E) The Building and its Appearance

EQ1. Is it the architect's choice to include the chapel in the design or a requirement from the Conservation Officer? (31.05.05, Information Event)
EA1. A combination of both. Much of the design is about working with old and new architecture. The project provided a great opportunity to renovate an old building and give it a new lease of life that the architects have relished. The converted chapel is seen as a great asset in providing much needed rehearsal space.

  • Update Oct 06 - The first floor of the chapel will be used as a bar, the ground floor for front of house offices.

EQ2. Could there be a pitched roof on the fly tower so it matches local structures? (31.05.05, Information Event)
EA2. There are many issues to be considered with the fly tower. The design team explored the possibility of one or two pitched roofs, but they were not practical. A pitched roof would increase the height of the fly tower further than is currently in the plans, and didn't look right with the scale of the fly tower. The finish on the fly tower will make it blend into the surroundings and not be too obtrusive. The design of the building means that the eye will be drawn to the lower structures rather than the fly tower.

EQ3. What is the finish on the smaller planes of the building near the Welsh Bridge? (31.05.05, Information Event)
EA3. The materials have not been finalised, for the planning application an idea of materials is submitted, but not specified. We invited ideas via the questionnaire/survey (closed 09.06.05) though general comments are still welcome by email, phone or post.

EQ4. Isn't there the potential for a significant difference between the estimated cost and final cost if the finish has not yet been decided? (31.05.05, Information Event)
EA4. Obviously there will be certain limits on the finish according to the budget and suitability, but various options remain. The planning submission does not require a finalised finish to be specified. The planners will condition final selection within suitable parameters.

EQ5. Why not celebrate the fly tower? It could be lit up at night. Could we use it as an advertising space? It would be especially beneficial to local groups who often find the cost of advertising prohibitive. (04.06.06, Information Event)
EA5. We envisage the fly tower to be a landmark in Shrewsbury, and something to be proud of. However, regarding advertising and lighting we are conscious of its impact and want to make sure the fly tower is not too obtrusive for those living near it, and that it does not create any light pollution. Planning matters within a conservation area must be taken into account.

EQ6. Regarding reducing the size of the fly tower from 26m to 23m tall - should the size be compromised at all? 2 metres is not a big amount - we should be celebrating a good arts centre. (04.06.06, Information Event)
EQ6. The reduced size of the fly tower will not affect any shows that come to the NEV; the technical crew will know how to accommodate them. 2 metres is a significant amount in respect of the planning application, especially considering the NEV will be in a conservation area. It is also important to always consider the needs of the people who will be living near to the building.

EQ7. How does the building relate to the surrounding area? Surely it shouldn't be a pastiche of traditional buildings around the town, as some modern buildings are? (04.06.06, Information Event)
EA7. Through the planning process all aspects of the building will be looked at in a very detailed level. All of Levitt Bernstein's previous projects have won at least an award each, and we envisage Shrewsbury's NEV being just as successful.

EQ8. Does the design sufficiently cover the effects of rainfall on a large surface area i.e. the roof of a structure such as the NEV? (04.06.06, Information Event)
EA8. All rainwater outlets and associated features will comply with British Standards. In addition the design of the NEV is such that it is made up of a series of smaller roofs, thus allowing for ample water outlets. A maintenance programme will ensure that drainage systems are kept in full working order.

EQ9. Is the outside of the building maintenance-free? (04.06.06, Information Event)
EA9. No building is maintenance-free, but the NEV has been designed to be low-maintenance, and the architects will create a comprehensive maintenance plan to be used by SABC upon completion and through the life of the building.

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F) Project Programme


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G) The Music Hall

GQ1. What will happen to the Music Hall? (31.05.05, Information Event)
GA1. The Music Hall is not a suitable building for a modern theatre. It could be adapted into a visitor's centre. This has yet to be decided.

GQ2. Ticket prices are too expensive at the Music Hall, even with concessions (31.05.05, Information Event)
GA2. The Music Hall offers 3 types of concessions, which offer good value for money. At the NEV, it may be possible that due to the increase in seats there is scope to reduce some prices, yet obviously there are limits to this. There is a firm commitment to at least retain the concession system as it is.

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H) Finance - Capital

HQ1.  Who is paying for the build cost of the theatre? (31.05.05, Information Event)
HA1. The project is an SABC capital-funded one; the money is already in SABC's accounts. An increase in Council Tax is not required to cover this cost.

  • Building cost:       £17m
  • Land purchase:       £3m
  • Money invested to meet increased revenue costs:  £5m
  • Risk and contingency:      £3m
  • Total:        £28m

HQ2. Is the plan finalised? What about extra costs? (31.05.05, Information Event)
HA2. A budget has been set out that will cover the cost of the build, and £5m has been set aside of which the interest will fund a maintenance plan, something the Music Hall does not have. Like the Old Market Hall the NEV should be neutral in the revenue plan (and any impact on Council Tax), although the OMH has actually surpassed this and now makes a profit.

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I) Finance - Revenue/Business Plan

IQ1. Not all theatres make money. (31.05.05, Information Event)
IA1. The NEV is not just about money: culture is an investment. It is a local authority's responsibility to provide such services for their residents and is central to SABC's strategy and vision, and a lever for economic development.

IQ2. Will ticket prices increase? (31.05.05, Information Event)
IA2. There will be no 'hike' in ticket prices. The purpose of the theatre is to provide a service that all borough residents and visitors can enjoy. A series of concessions will be available as are currently at the Music Hall.

IQ3. Re. the NEV business plan - when will the venue break even? (31.05.05, Information Event)
IA3. The NEV will always cost something to the taxpayer, just as the Music Hall does now. The Revenue Budget for NEV includes monies for maintenance and equipment replacement, which the Music Hall's current budget does not. The business plan has been carefully prepared and it is hoped that a gradual reduction in subsidy can be achieved after year five.

IQ4. Can a theatre of this size work in Shrewsbury? Will it be adequately promoted? Will promotion relate to tourism promotion? (04.06.06, Information Event)
IA4. Research has been carried out with the assistance of the Arts Council and a business plan created to ensure the success of the NEV. Currently 40% of attendants at the Music Hall are from outside the borough it is these audiences in particular that is there is scope to increase.  The Cultural Services team will promote and input to wider promotion campaigns as at present.

IQ5. The cost of the studio space should not exceed greatly that of the Gateway facilities, otherwise it will not be used. (04.06.06, Information Event)
IA5. This is noted and is incorporated in the business plan.

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J) The River and Surrounding Land

JQ1. Is there anything in this project that utilises the river? Is there a plan to maintain this area of the river? (31.05.05, Information Event)
JA1. SABC controls the river frontage outside the NEV site and it will be an integral part of the development. In addition the Environment Agency is spending money on the area as part of Shrewsbury's entry in the Britain in Bloom competition.

JQ2. Is SABC responsible for the silted area on the other side of the Welsh Bridge (to the NEV)?  (31.05.05, Information Event)
JA2. The Environment Agency is responsible for this area.

JQ3. What about the Thai restaurant? (31.05.05, Information Event)
JA3. The Thai restaurant is a private business, but as you may have seen in the press has gone bankrupt, so the boat that is there now will most likely not be there when the NEV is completed.

  • Update Oct 06 - The floating restaurant has now been removed.

JQ4. Will new hotel beds be created to allow more people to stay in Shrewsbury and visit the NEV? (04.06.06, Information Event)
JA4. The issue of hotel beds will not be dealt with directly through the NEV project, but it is hoped that the NEV will encourage new restaurants and hotels to open in the area. It is an issue that Destination Shrewsbury is working on as part of its remit.

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K) Flooding

KQ1. Regarding the plans on display, will the NEV need to move back a further 5 metres from the flood wall? (25.05.05, Information Event)
KA1. No, the 5 metres have already been taken into account regarding current plans on display and plans submitted for the planning application.

KQ2. What are the implications for the theatre when the Frankwell car park is closed due to flooding?
KA2. When considering the site for the construction of the theatre the flooding that sometimes affects Frankwell was a major consideration. The Frankwell flood defences will protect the building itself, and the main public spaces are above the 100-year flood level. Although we have to prepare a flood evacuation strategy, it will be along the same lines as that of a fire evacuation strategy. If there had been any concern regarding public safety the Environment Agency, Fire and Police authorities would have objected to the original planning application.

Throughout the planning process the transport plan for Theatre Severn was an important issue. Having a major car parking facility close to the new theatre is a benefit, indeed the Frankwell car park is very likely to be the car park that most patrons use. However in times of major flooding the other car parks within the town will provide ample parking for patrons. The Music Hall has no public parking available on site and the nearest car parks are those at Bridge Street and Barker Street, the distance between these car parks and the new theatre and the Music Hall are equitable.

Further to this we are keen to try and reduce the number of cars that travel into the town centre. We are already in discussion with Park & Ride in the hope that we can provide a limited service for our patrons especially around Christmas time when the car parks are particularly busy.

 

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L) Planning Issues

LQ1. Will it be considered by Planning what wider benefits will be brought to the town by the NEV when the planning application is submitted? (31.05.05, Information Event)
LA1. Yes the wider benefits will be considered. It is a complex process, especially because the site is part of a conservation area. Planning Services will liaise with many groups including national ones such as CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) and English Heritage and will take into account any and all enhancements and planning matters relating to the proposed development.

LQ2. Who will call in the project if there are any objections, in respect of the fact that both the team submitting the planning application and the planning department are part of SABC? (04.06.06, Information Event)
LA2. The planning team and project team can be considered as completely separate, and the NEV submission will be considered in the same way as any other planning application received by SABC. If statutory bodies raise significant objections, then as is common practice the Secretary of State may call the submission in. The Government Office for the West Midlands and Regional Planning Body have been notified of the application.

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M) Acoustics

MQ1. Will the acoustics be first class? (25.05.05, Information Event)
MA1. The acoustics will be good and as appropriate for a mixed-use venue. An Acoustical is working on the NEV design. The issue of acoustics is a technical issue that can be solved through calculations ahead of the build and this is being done. For classical and opera a satisfactory level of acoustics will be established but given mixed use it will not be as Glyndebourne.

MQ2. Will both spaces be able to work together acoustically i.e. will they be proofed against each other? (04.06.06, Information Event)
MA2. A professional Acoustician is part of the design team and is working on such issues, namely ensuring the sound quality within each performance space is of the appropriate quality, and preventing any unwanted sound getting in or out of the spaces. In addition scheduling will ensure that for example a loud rock concert will not run at the same time as a quiet poetry reading.

MQ3. Will the acoustics in the performance spaces be controllable depending on the size of the group? (04.06.06, Information Event)
MA3. The acoustics are adjustable for example with the use of drapes. It has been calculated by the professional Acoustician working on the project that 85% of performances will have excellent acoustics, the other 15% will have less than excellent, but by no means poor acoustics.

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Z) Miscellaneous

ZQ1. Is there no longer a discussion as to whether another site could be used for the NEV? Is there no question as to whether the Council will proceed with the project? How much say does the public have in this project and the design now? (31.05.05, Information Event)
ZA1. The Frankwell location is the only viable site for the NEV and after much research and option analysis is the most logical option.  The project has not yet gone through planning, so details may change, and we would like the public to be involved in some of the elements that have not been finalised, hence the questionnaire and future events such as this one.

ZQ2. Has the theatre been named yet? (31.05.05, Information Event)
ZA2. Not yet, and it is something we are keen to hear your suggestions on. Either fill in the questionnaire or email mail@musichall.co.uk with your ideas.

  • Update Oct 06 - the venue has been named Theatre Severn

ZQ3. Can we have an ice show at the NEV? (04.06.06, Information Event)
ZA3. No, there are no plans to incorporate ice skating within the venue.

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