BUILDING a new Theatr Felinfach as part of a new area school in the Aeron Valley would be cheaper than trying to renovate the current building or even building a new theatre at the current site, it has been said.

Architects Darton B3 were appointed by the council to provide options for the future of the theatre, and their report identified two options - to carry out a major renovation of the theatre or to build a new theatre as part of a possible new area school.

Members of the council’s learning communities scrutiny committee have already said they support the council carrying out more investigatory work into the possibility of any new area school also including a new theatre building, and that was also supported by Cabinet members.

Council leader Ellen ap Gwynn said that was likely to be a cheaper option, warning that the current condition of the theatre building may mean that renovation work is not feasible and that it would require a new build theatre even at the current site.

She said: “It does seem the condition of the current building does not lend itself to refurbishment under option one.

“That would mean a new building at the site and that would be more expensive.”

Local councillor Lynford Thomas said he did not object to an option that would see a new theatre built as part of a potential new area school, but he said it was important that the theatre and school are separate facilities, even if they share some amenities such as parking.

Cllr Thomas also said that, with the condition of the current theatre deteriorating, work is needed to maintain the current building, especially considering any new area school would not be likely to be ready to open for at least three years.

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition tomorrow