Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre continues to show signs of wear and tear, with ripped seats, exposed wires, and loosening taps raising concerns among theatre-goers and councillors alike. The Conservatives are now calling for cross-party support to carry out essential repairs while the long-promised new entertainment venue remains on hold.
Plans for a new cultural venue on the site of the old bus station were first outlined by the Conservative-led Council in summer 2021, with construction expected to begin in 2025 and a Spring 2029 opening. However, when Labour gained control of the Council in June 2023, the project was scrapped, though the site remained the proposed location.
By September 2024, the Council Leader pledged a new venue would open in 2026, ahead of the Oasis Leisure Centre reopening. A budget of £40,000 was approved for a full business case. Yet, twelve months on, no business case has been produced, nor is there any sign of funding or planning applications in the Cabinet’s forward plan.
Conservative councillor Dale Heenan expressed his concern: “I took my family to see shows like Bing’s Birthday last summer and saw for myself the state of the theatre. Black masking tape on ripped seats, cables left within reach of children, and loose taps in the toilets—these are things you notice immediately. It’s off-putting for families and could affect the viability of any new venue.”
Heenan added that if a realistic business case and funding do not emerge in the next six months, a minor refurbishment at the Wyvern should be considered to improve customer experience. Fellow Conservative Councillor Dan Adams echoed his concerns: “Seats broken, exposed wires, litter and even tents from the homeless outside the theatre—it’s far from the welcoming environment the town deserves. Labour must act to maintain the venue we have while plans for a new one are developed.”
Wyvern Theatre director Laura James defended the current maintenance programme, noting the theatre is over 50 years old. “We prioritise spending on maintenance and improvements to keep the theatre safe and operational. Reupholstering the main auditorium seating is ongoing. We are also replacing tape with fabric patches to improve comfort and aesthetics while spreading costs over the year,” she said.
The Conservatives have tabled a motion requesting the Council present a detailed report on the viability of a new venue or, alternatively, authorise minor refurbishment works at the Wyvern. A report is expected no later than 4th March 2026.
Council Leader Jim Robbins defended Labour’s approach: “We are working hard on plans for the new theatre and will bring forward a fully funded plan in due course. We continue to work with the Wyvern to support great shows in the town, but we all know the Wyvern is approaching the end of its life, and we need to get the replacement right, delivered in line with our Heart of Swindon plan.
“It is ridiculous for Dale Heenan and his sidekick to accuse us of mismanagement when it was their administration that racked up over £400m of debt, left Children’s Services rated as Inadequate, and oversaw projects that were either never delivered, delayed, or required Labour intervention to fix, including Kimmerfields, The Bus Boulevard, the Southern Connector Road, and the Museum and Art Gallery. We are not looking for lessons in delivery from these two.”
