Entertainment venue opening in 2028 after cash boost

A new entertainment venue - with capacity for 2,000 people - could open by 2028 in a town after a major cash boost.

Swindon Borough Council has ambitious plans for the building, which would be built on the town's former bus station, to replace the aging Wyvern Theatre and bring big acts and shows to the town.

The Government has now put forward £20m for the project, which is earmarked to cost £45m in total.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves announced the funding today and said it would create "conditions for growth" in Swindon.

She added: "The new entertainment venue that will be built with this funding will make the town a more attractive place to live, work and start a business in the years to come."

Swindon Borough Council leader, Labour's Jim Robbins, said the project was "ready to go" as a result of the new money.

The council wants to start the design and planning process this year ahead of construction in 2027 and opening in 2028.

Previously, it was suggested that the entertainment venue could blend Swindon's industrial heritage with contemporary designs inspired by the ABBA Arena in London.

Robbins said: "The idea is that it's a really flexible multi-use venue with seating for up to 1,200 people and standing capacity of around 2,000. And [it will be] double the size of the Wyvern, which helps us to attract those really big shows.

"There's still work to be done on exactly what the plans will be, but already conversations are going on with designers, theatre operators...and we are a long way down the process already."

The idea was initially announced as part of Swindon Borough Council's Heart of Swindon project which looks to regenerate the town centre. It has also been backed by local Labour MPs Will Stone and Heidi Alexander.

Robbins added: "We always knew we needed to have a really big flagship project to make it work.

"It's brilliant we've got this money…this allows us to kick on and deliver."

The money granted to the entertainment venue comes from the Government's Growth Mission Fund, which supports projects which can promote local growth and create jobs.

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