The Wyvern Theatre may not need to close in 2027 – and there should be a replacement opening as it shuts.

Councillor Jim Robbins, the leader of Swindon Borough Council, has clarified the situation with the existing theatre which is nearing the end of its life.

Previously it has been reported that the theatre was due to close in 2027.

This was based on an outline business case for the new theatre and concert venue the council wants to build in Kimmerfields, written for the council by Blue Horizon and included in papers for November’s cabinet meeting where members of the cabinet approved moving ahead with the plan.

It says the theatre  is “scheduled to close by mid-2027.”

Speaking to a Let’s Talk Swindon public consultation session, Cllr Robbins said that year was when the current contract with Trafalgar Entertainment, which runs the Wyvern on behalf of the council, ends. But it does not necessarily mean the theatre will stop operations then.

He said: “It doesn’t have to close then.

“But it is getting to the end of its life. It has concrete cancer and there are other issues.

“And the main thing is that we know it’s not big enough. If we want to attract the big touring shows then we need something about twice the size of the current capacity, which is why we’re planning  a replacement with a seated capacity of 1,200 and up to 2,000 standing.”

Cllr Ro0bbins told the audience at the Central Library that the council’s plan was to clear the current bus station site in Kimmerfields and use the land for what is known as a ‘contemporary installation’ - a style of construction for an event and entertainment venue similar to the one used in east London for the Abba Voyage show.

The Abba Arena uses a modular construction, where most of the building’s parts are constructed off-site and it is slotted together in situ.

Cllr Robbins said that meant it was cheaper to build which is important at a time when the council’s finances are very stretched.

He pointed out that such a construction is also much easier to remove when it was no longer wanted.

He said: “We are not in a position to build  something for the next 100 years, but we can build something really good for the next 25 years and that will be used and attract  good shows and be a real asset to the town centre.”