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Home » The £50m Transformation Of Theatr Clwyd Will Create 100 Jobs

The £50m Transformation Of Theatr Clwyd Will Create 100 Jobs

A £50m redevelopment of Theatr Clwyd in Mold is set to create 100 new jobs and provide an up to £30m annually boost to the local economy The extensive refurbishment will also enhance the theatre’s environmental credentials, making it carbon positive for significant periods.

The revamp includes a culinary upgrade with Denbigh-born television chef Bryn Williams opening a new restaurant on site after taking over the catering franchise.

Liam Evans-Ford, the executive director of Theatr Clwyd, will present details of the ambitious scheme at a Wrexham Business Professionals breakfast on September 19th.

Since its inauguration in 1976 as part of the civic complex adjacent to Shire Hall, now Flintshire County Council’s headquarters, Theatr Clwyd has been at the forefront of performing arts venues. It has hosted renowned actors such as Sir Anthony Hopkins, Vanessa Redgrave, and Timothy Dalton.

The theatre has garnered numerous accolades over the years, including an Olivier Award for ‘Home, I’m Darling’ and being named the Best Theatre in the UK in 2021, reports North Wales Live.

However, by the time Liam Evans-Ford took the helm in 2016, he described the building as “totally shot” and unfit for its intended use. Since his appointment, he has been instrumental in the dramatic overhaul of this flagship arts venue, securing funding from both public and private sources to bring the vision to life.

Theatr Clwyd is set to become a beacon of sustainability when it reopens next year, boasting a completely fossil-free environment. The venue will incorporate an array of eco-friendly features including air source heating, solar power, and rainwater harvesting systems.

Construction is already underway, with the theatre’s new glass frontage designed to capitalise on the “brilliant views” offered by the Clwydian Range.

In a preview of the revamped space, Theatr Clwyd’s beloved annual pantomime, which attracts 40,000 attendees each season, will mark its return on the main stage. This year’s show, Mother Goose, is scheduled for Saturday, November 23, promising a fresh take on the classic production.

Liam Evans-Ford, with his extensive experience as both an actor and producer, is at the helm of Theatr Clwyd’s transformation. A Bristol Old Vic Theatre School alumnus, Evans-Ford has worked with The Royal Shakespeare Company, graced the West End, and featured in popular TV series such as The Bill, Casualty, and Doctors before transitioning into producing and leading the theatre’s ambitious redevelopment.

Discussing the project, he commented: “We have a 10,000 square metre building that when we open it next year will be we hope an all-day destination for people of all ages and backgrounds.”

“The redevelopment is going to enhance all our theatre making capabilities. We’re one of only four theatres in the whole of the UK that still has all the making departments in-house, the costume makers, the scenic artists, the scenic construction with the welders and carpenters, the props makers and the lighting and sound technicians.”

“As a result, we have a specific space to train the talent of the future talent in those departments.”

“The other benefit is that it gives us dedicated space for our extensive communities programme arts and health programmes for the NHS, our work with social services and housing associations along with refugee charities. There’s also dedicated youth hub spaces.”

“We’ll also have dedicated event spaces that will help drive revenue whether it’s small board meetings, big conferences or sit down dinners for 200 people.”

“On top of all that we’ll have brand new kitchens where our new catering partner, Bryn Williams and his team, will give people yet another reason to come here.”

“There’ll be better bar space and outside terraces making the most of the spectacular views towards the Clwydian Hills.”

“Alongside all of that, the environmental sustainability of the building is front and centre in the redevelopment because that’s the biggest challenge facing humankind.”

“There’s no gas. We’re fossil fuel free so we’ve got huge air source heat pumps and we will be harvesting rainwater and generating solar energy.”

“On the day we open we will have reduced our carbon footprint by 80 per cent and on the right days it will be a carbon neutral building, while with the right weather and plenty of sunshine we can be carbon positive.”

“When I started in 2016, Theatr Clwyd employed 60 core company of members. We currently employ 153 people across all of our work and by this time next year, including our partnership with Bryn Williams, we’ll probably be up to around 250.”

“On top of that we employ around 500 freelancers a year directors, musicians, actors and then we have seasonal workers at times like Christmas when we need more people to work on the bars, for example.”

“We had an economic impact survey done and at the moment, with our current turnover, we’re generating around £10 million for the local economy each year. That’s estimated to double if not treble when we’re open with all the extra people we’ll be employing.”

“It’s a £50mcapital investment and even without any growth that will be paid back into the local economy in three or three and half years so it’s a really good return on investment.”