Work set to start on new £20m arts venue

Doncaster Council and development partner Muse Developments said the building, a “key focal point” of the CCQ, would have a 600-seat main auditorium, a “flexible performing space” to house 200 people seated or 400 people standing, a drama studio, a dance studio and education spaces.

Vinci Construction UK has been awarded the build contract for the £20m venue and is set to start work on site later this week.

It is then hoped that the venue will be completed in the spring of 2013.

Mayor of Doncaster, Peter Davies, said: “This is an important milestone for the CCQ project.

“The new performance venue will be the cultural heartbeat of the development and promises to be another wonderful addition to Doncaster’s growing portfolio of attractions.

“The new venue is far more than a direct replacement of the Civic Theatre; it will offer something for everyone to take part in or enjoy. Doncaster has much to look forward to.”

Muse Developments projects director, Michael Broadhead, said: “The CCQ is really taking shape. This next piece in the puzzle – the new performance venue – will put the culture into the quarter, attracting top-class performers and artists to Doncaster and providing public areas for visitors to enjoy.”

Keith Shivers, regional director at Vinci Construction UK, said the firm was “really excited” to be beginning work.

He added: “Vinci Construction UK is honoured to be able to play such a key role in the regeneration of the town centre – by building a brand new state-of-the-art performance space.”

Just over £2m of funding for the new performance venue has come as Lottery cash through Arts Council England.