THE future of the Forest Theatre could be protected – for now – after Gloucestershire College announced it will continue taking bookings until its move in 2018.
West Dean Parish Council says the good news means the theatre will remain open – however discussions are still underway to decide the transfer of ownership.
The college sent letters to groups who use the theatre, at Five Acres, near Coleford, in March stating no more bookings would be taken after July next year.
The announcement came as theatre’s owners were days away from deciding a move to a site in Cinderford Northern Quarter.
At the time Cllr Tim Gwilliam (Lab, Berry Hill) said the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) behind the Northern Quarter project agreed to transfer the ownership and running of the site to the West Dean Parish Council and Forest of Dean District Council. The only catch is it’s subject to an element of housing being built on the site.
Mr Gwilliam said: “West Dean Parish Council have been informed that the Forest of Dean Theatre is to remain open for bookings and events and will not close. Discussions for the transfer of ownership continue.
“I would appreciate you telling your readers of this good news so that events and ideas for use of the theatre are encouraged. The closure of the theatre was never going to be acceptable to the community or West Dean Parish Council and it is pleasing to see Gloucestershire College have corrected the position.”
The college says the u-turn was due to uncertainty at the time of its move.
Michelle Cant, head of communications at Gloucestershire College, said: “We had cautiously held off on taking 2018 theatre bookings before now, until the timescales for the college’s intended move to the Cinderford Northern Quarter became clearer.
“Teaching and learning will continue at our current site until summer 2018, and we will continue to take bookings for the Forest Theatre for the foreseeable future.
“Individuals or groups who would like to use the space can contact the box office team on 01594 838400.”