A SNEAK peek into future plans for the iconic Adelphi Theatre have been revealed by Slough councillors in a bid to dispel demolition “misinformation”.
The council acquired the old Adelphi theatre on Bath Road, which hosted the likes of the Beatles and Roy Orbinson, for £4.6 million back in August 2018 as part of the £150 million Chalvey Regeneration Strategy.
Since this takeover, speculation over fears Slough Borough Council would demolish the iconic building grew – which led to the formation of the Save Slough Adelphi campaign group.
Last week, councillor Pavitar K. Mann (Labour: Britwell and Northborough), lead member for planning and regulations, said there was still a “hell of a lot of misinformation” as well as “fear-mongering” about the theatre’s future.
She asked if officers could provide some insight into the council’s plans for the old theatre.
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Regeneration project manager Stephen Gibson shed some light on the Adelphi’s future prospects, telling cabinet members the theatre will be used as a “performance-led space” with it being “front and centre” for the borough’s new cultural offering.
He also hinted the Slough orchestra and other community groups could find a new home at the Adelphi.
Mr Gibson said: “It is very, very clear that the Adelphi theatre will be the heart of the cultural strategy.
“We see it as a mix-use performance space that can be used for a variety of events and it will be one of a number of performance spaces throughout the town which will evolve in the next two to five years.
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“What we’re looking for, in recognition of the huge amount of work in the North West Quadrant of the town centre, is very, very important we get these spaces up and running as quickly as possible during this transitional period.”
The leader of the council, councillor James Swindlehurst (Labour: Cippenham Green), added: “There is a relentless amount of people spreading all sorts of rumours that we intend to demolish it or ridiculous things when what we’re trying to do is the precise opposite in making that building live again really.”
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