Plans for a new theatre in Cardiff Bay have been unveiled by the Wales Millennium Centre (WMC). The new theatre, set to be built next to the city’s new indoor arena, aims to further establish Cardiff Bay as a prominent cultural destination. The WMC, which is marking its 20th anniversary, envisions the new venue to host cutting-edge digital-first performances. The project is part of a larger £250m development in Atlantic Wharf, spanning 30 acres of mixed-use space.
The proposed theatre will feature a 550-seat capacity and provide facilities for production, rehearsal, and training. It will be the first stand-alone building added to the WMC since its inauguration by The Queen in 2014. The existing WMC currently contributes over £70m annually to the Welsh economy and attracts 1.8 million visitors each year.
A spokesperson for WMC highlighted that the new venue will complement the centre’s existing performance spaces, including the Donald Gordon Theatre, Weston Studio, and Cabaret venue. They anticipate engaging over 10,000 participants in creative training over the next five years, fostering the growth of youth programs and enhancing opportunities for emerging artists. The new facility is envisioned to empower creatives to explore digital and immersive arts while serving as a state-of-the-art presenting and producing hub.
The new theatre project is a collaborative effort with Cardiff Council, with a site identified opposite the existing WMC. This initiative forms a crucial component of the ‘Cardiff Live’ development plan, which encompasses new office spaces, exhibition halls, and shared community areas. Graeme Farrow, chief creative and content officer at WMC, emphasised the importance of storytelling evolution and technological integration in the arts. The flexible design of the new space aims to provide artists with the necessary resources to innovate and push boundaries in their storytelling.
Councillor Russell Goodway of Cardiff Council expressed enthusiasm for the project, viewing it as a milestone for Cardiff Bay’s cultural evolution. Goldbeck Construction has been appointed as the builder for the redevelopment, which will see the new theatre and indoor arena constructed on the former Red Dragon leisure site. The £250m budget also encompasses the relocation and reconstruction of the existing Travelodge Hotel.
The WMC’s commitment to nurturing creativity and embracing digital advancements underscores its dedication to fostering artistic talent and engaging with the community. The forthcoming theatre is poised to enrich Cardiff’s cultural landscape and reinforce the city’s reputation as a vibrant hub for the arts.