A \u00a350 million project to redevelop a theatre in North Wales will create 100 new jobs, it\u2019s been revealed.<\/p>\n
Once completed the massive makeover at Theatr Clwyd in Mold will also generate an annual boost of up to \u00a330 million for the local economy as well as making it a carbon positive building for much of the time.<\/p>\n
Details of the ambitious plan will be outlined by Liam Evans-Ford, the theatre\u2019s executive director, at a breakfast meeting of Wrexham Business Professionals at Hotel Wrexham in Holt on Thursday, September 19.<\/p>\n
The group is made up of successful businesses and skilled professionals working together to promote regional prosperity and shine a light on the enterprise and expertise that exists in the region.<\/p>\n
The other guest speaker is Ffion Williams, from the T\u0177\u2019r Ddraig television production company which – backed with significant investment from the Workerbee Group which is part of industry giant Banijay UK – opened a new base in Wrexham last year.<\/p>\n
Theatr Clwyd was a state-of-the-art trailblazer when it opened in 1976 as part of the civic complex next door to Shire Hall, that\u2019s now home to Flintshire County Council.<\/p>\n
Over the years its stages have been graced by the likes of Sir Anthony Hopkins, Vanessa Redgrave and Timothy Dalton.<\/p>\n
Along the way the theatre has been honoured with a glittering array of awards, including an Olivier for Home, I\u2019m Darling, as well as being voted the Best Theatre in the UK in 2021.<\/p>\n
But by the time Liam Evans-Ford was appointed in 2016 the building was in his words \u201ctotally shot\u201d and not fit for purpose.<\/p>\n
Since then he\u2019s been overseeing the dramatic transformation of the flagship arts complex, attracting investment from the public and private sectors to make it a reality.<\/p>\n
When it fully re-opens next year, the new-look Theatr Clwyd will be a totally fossil-free building and will include a raft of green measures like air source heating, solar power and rainwater harvesting.<\/p>\n
Already taking shape is the spectacular glass frontage that\u2019s been designed to make the most of the \u201cbrilliant views\u201d of the Clwydian Range across the valley.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also been announced recently that Denbigh-born TV chef Bryn Williams will be weaving his culinary magic there because he\u2019s taking over the catering franchise.<\/p>\n
And in a taste of what\u2019s to come, Theatr Clwyd\u2019s hugely popular annual pantomime \u2013 which puts 40,000 bums on seats every season \u2013 will be the first production on the main stage when it returns with its own unique twist on the traditional favourite, Mother Goose, on Saturday, November 23.<\/p>\n
According to Liam Evans-Ford, his background as an actor and a producer was the ideal preparation for taking on the role at Theatr Clwyd.<\/p>\n
Having trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, he has had\u00a0 worked with The Royal Shakespeare Company and appeared in the West End as well as popping up on hit television shows like The Bill, Casualty\u00a0 and Doctors before moving into producing and then masterminding the rejuvenation of Theatr Clwyd.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cWe have a 10,000 square metre building that when we open it next year will be we hope an all-day destination for people of all ages and backgrounds.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe redevelopment is going to enhance all our theatre making capabilities. We\u2019re one of only four theatres in the whole of the UK that still has all the making departments in-house, the costume makers, the scenic artists, the scenic construction with the welders and carpenters, the props makers and the lighting and sound technicians.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a result, we have a specific\u00a0 space to train the talent of the future talent in those departments.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe other benefit is that it gives us dedicated space for our extensive communities programme \u2013 arts and health programmes for the NHS, our work with social services and housing associations along with refugee charities. There\u2019s also dedicated youth hub spaces.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll also have dedicated event spaces that will help drive revenue \u2013 whether it\u2019s small board meetings, big conferences or sit down dinners for 200 people.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn top of all that we\u2019ll have brand new kitchens where our new catering partner, Bryn Williams and his team, will give people yet another reason to come here.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019ll be better bar space and outside terraces making the most of the spectacular views towards the Clwydian Hills.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlongside all of that, the environmental sustainability of the building is front and centre in the redevelopment because that\u2019s the biggest challenge facing humankind.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no gas. We\u2019re fossil fuel free so we\u2019ve got huge air source heat pumps and we will be harvesting rainwater and generating solar energy.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn the day we open we will have reduced our carbon footprint by 80 per cent and on the right days it will be a carbon neutral building, while with the right weather and plenty of sunshine we can be carbon positive.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cWhen I started in 2016, Theatr Clwyd employed 60 core company of members. We currently employ 153 people across all of our work and by this time next year, including our partnership with Bryn Williams, we\u2019ll probably be up to around 250.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn top of that we employ around 500 freelancers a year \u2013 directors, musicians, actors \u2013 and then we have seasonal workers at times like Christmas when we need more people to work on the bars, for example.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had an economic impact survey done and at the moment, with our current turnover, we\u2019re generating around \u00a310 million for the local economy each year. That\u2019s estimated to double if not treble when we\u2019re open with all the extra people we\u2019ll be employing.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a \u00a350 million capital investment and even without any growth that will be paid back into the local economy in three or three and half years \u2013 so it\u2019s a really good return on investment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ian Edwards, a leading member of Wrexham Business Professionals, who said: \u201cWe\u2019re hugely grateful that Liam and Ffion will be giving us their fascinating insights at our next meeting and underlining how the creative arts are becoming an increasingly important and growing element in the local economy.<\/p>\n
It was a view shared by fellow member Louise Harper who added: \u201cAfter a few years when we have had to overcome a host of challenges, not least those posed by the pandemic, it\u2019s clear that North East Wales is an exciting and happening place where the creative arts and the world of business can go hand in hand to fashion an even more prosperous future.\u201d<\/p>\n
For more information about Wrexham Business Professionals meetings, events and campaigns go to <\/strong>wrexhambusinessprofessionals.com<\/strong><\/a>, email\u00a0 <\/strong>contactus@wrexhambusinessprofessionals.com<\/strong><\/a> or ring 01978 752500. <\/strong><\/p>\n