Show latest news, more from September 2005.
Arts Council of Wales reignites flame for the Torch Theatre Development Project
Following negotiations with the Arts Council of Wales the £5.2 million Torch Theatre Development Project is back on track. The project received a potentially crushing setback early in the summer when its application for £2 million worth of Objective One funding through WEFO was turned down. Predictably the fate of the project hung in the balance, but a series of discussions with key funding partners, including the Arts Council of Wales, have resulted in a rescue package being put together that will not only save the project from collapse but also keep it on track to start the building development in April 2006. Peter Tyndall, Chief Executive of The Arts Council of Wales said, “We are delighted that we have been able to work with Peter and his team at the Torch to put this package together. The Torch is a crucial part of the arts infrastructure of Wales and provides wonderful drama for the people of Pembrokeshire as well as touring product throughout the country. This project will not only give first class theatre the home it deserves, but also provide much better facilities for audiences, and enhance local jobs, tourism and the built environment.” Peter Doran, The Torch’s Artistic Director, said: “We are extremely grateful to The Arts Council of Wales. The redevelopment of the Torch Theatre is a vital part of the regeneration of Milford Haven. The package that has been put together means that we now know that the project is definitely going ahead. We estimate that we shall still need something in the region of £450,000 to reach our final goal and, although this is still a considerable amount of money, it is a relatively small percentage of our original target of £5.2 million. Together with the extra funding we are receiving from the Welsh Assembly Government via the Arts Outside Cardiff programme for our artistic work, the whole package should allow the Torch to thrive in the future.” For further information, CLICK HERE
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