A THEATRE could be up and running in Chester within three years, a council chief has confirmed.
Cheshire West and Chester Council leader Cllr Mike Jones said work could start at the former Odeon cinema site as early as 2014.
Cllr Jones, who was integral in the purchase of the building to create a long-awaited replacement for the Gateway Theatre, said design, planning applications and approval could take 18 months.
“It would take about 18 months to two years to do the building work as we would have to knock down Commercial House at the back of the building first,” he said.
“Obviously there are archaeological aspects to consider and as with any development in Chester there are lots of things to consider which can make things difficult.”
The city has been without a theatre since the Gateway closed in March 2007. At the time, a new performing arts centre was promised to open in 2011 as part of the
Northgate Development, a city centre regeneration project.
But Cllr Jones said discussions were currently ongoing with ING about the development.
He added: “The Northgate Development may not even start by then (2015).
“There have been a lot of discussions with ING on how to get things moving forward and we are finalising the details.
“There will be discussions throughout the next six months and there will be a number of reports going through the executive about the project.”
However, the empty Odeon Cinema on Hunter Street, which was bought by the council in October 2011 for £2.6 million, will move forward as a separate consideration.
The 800-seat theatre in the city centre is expected to cost £43.4 million.
Labour councillor Sam Dixon, for the city ward, said: “We really do need to get on with it because people have waited for a long time.
“Everyone has been anticipating this. The sooner the better, and it’s better for residents, for local businesses and particularly important for traders who work in Northgate Street.”
Christine Russell, former MP for Chester and chairman of the Odeon Action Group, welcomed the commitment shown by the council to get the Odeon reopened as a “cultural destination”.
She said: “A city centre theatre and cinema is needed for the regeneration of the city centre.
“We have to give people reason for coming to Chester. If we can’t offer a city centre cinema and theatre people will go elsewhere.
“In light of recent failed projects, we feel it’s very important the council makes the best use of local expertise and knowledge of the city.”
She said the group would meet next month with Charlie Seward, director of regeneration and culture.