RESUSCITATION of the Redgrave Theatre as part of the East Street redevelopment could entail a double figure percentage increase in council tax for the whole borough, according to Waverley Council's leader. Richard Gates spoke out following the unveiling last week of proposals for the scaling down of the East Street scheme. A booklet inviting public views on the potential changes has been mailed to all Farnham households. Mr Gates said he was anxious that attention focused on the resuscitation of the Redgrave could divert debate from the scheme that was actually being considered. This did not, and could not, include a theatre. "This is the moment to get it clear that the position is not negotiable because we don't have these resources," he insisted. The lack of theatre provision in Crest Nicholson's original East Street application has led to thousands of objections, as Farnham Theatre Association chairman Anne Cooper pointed out when the new proposals were shown to an invited audience. The theatre association is currently involved in a survey of the views of town centre traders. And, according to Mrs Cooper, early indications are that a very large majority of local shops would prefer a small cinema and theatre in the East Street development rather than just a cinema. "Traders in the town were asked for preferences for just a cinema, just a theatre or a small cinema and theatre, with the emphasis on improving trade in the town. "About three fifths of the survey forms have been returned to FTA with an overwhelming number in favour of both facilities. "Many traders also mentioned concerns about traffic congestion and parking in the town. "The full results of the survey will be published when the returned forms have been independently assessed." The campaign is unlikely to subside, though Mr Gates stated a belief that support for the Redgrave would be less solid if people appreciated the full financial implications. The report by theatre consultant Michael Holden, commissioned by Farnham Theatre Association, reached the conclusion that theatre could operate in Farnham without subsidy from a revenue point of view. Mr Gates said that very few theatres are able to do this, but nevertheless, financial issues surrounding the Redgrave building itself were the main concerns. During the Liberal Democrat administration of the council a ballpark figure of £16 million was suggested to renovate the long-neglected theatre. "Even if that is considered somewhat high, the amount would not be insignificant," said Mr Gates. He was adamant that council officers' time should not be diverted to ascertaining the true cost. But he pointed out that on top of the costs of renovation, the loss of commercial opportunity and rents for that part of the site needed to be considered, together with the loss of the opportunity to turn to Brightwell House into a centrepiece of the development. Mr Gates said the council was keen to work with Farnham Theatre Association to enable more live performance in the town. "We want to work towards theatre, but the resuscitation of the Redgrave is just not a feasible or viable part of the scheme."
