10/10/2026
They finally admit here that the Swindon Wyvern Theatre will die. It won't be kept.
Questions remain over the Wyvern Theatre’s future after the council warned the ageing venue is approaching the end of its economic life.
Swindon’s theatre, the Wyvern, can be found on Princes Street in the town centre, and offers a range of productions for theatre-goers all year round.
But in recent times questions have been raised about what needs to be done to regenerate the building.
It is also unclear what the impact on the Wyvern will be if the proposed entertainment venue at the site of the former bus station goes ahead.
Swindon Borough Council have now provided an update on the situation.
Councillor Matthew Vallender, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Heritage, Planning and Regeneration, said: “The Wyvern Theatre has been at the heart of Swindon’s cultural life for more than 50 years, and we are determined to ensure it continues to play an important role in our town for as long as possible.
“But we also have to be realistic. The Wyvern is approaching the end of its economic life, and the challenges facing the building go well beyond the well-documented concrete issues.
“Pouring millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money into patching up an ageing theatre, only to be left with a building that is no longer fit for the future, simply does not represent good value for money.
“That is why this administration is focused on securing a long-term future for arts and entertainment in Swindon.
“We are developing the business case for a modern, purpose-built theatre in the town centre that can attract bigger productions, bring more visitors into Swindon, support our local economy and give residents the cultural facilities they deserve.
“In the meantime, we will continue working with the Wyvern’s operator to keep the theatre open and operating safely for as long as practicable.
“We recognise just how important the venue is to residents, performers and the wider arts community, and we want it to remain a vibrant part of Swindon’s cultural scene while we work towards a potential replacement.
“Our forthcoming Council Plan will set out this administration’s ambitions for Swindon, and culture and regeneration will be an important part.
“We want to invest in Swindon’s future, raise our ambitions as a town and deliver facilities that future generations can be proud of.”
The Adver asked the council whether they have hopes of regenerating the Wyvern and if so, when that work will take place, what changes, if any, they think need to be made to the Wyvern to continue to attract theatre-goers, and whether the Wyvern or the new entertainment venue was a greater priority for the administration.
There was no further clarity provided on any of these points.
Residents told the Adver what they would like to see done to the building.
Mike Griffin said: “I’d like to see it used as a music venue, and basically carry on with what it’s been doing over.
“Shows are popular at this time of year. The area outside the Wyvern needs regenerating too.”
The Leader of the Labour and Co-Operative group in Swindon, Councillor Jim Robbins, said the uncertainty around the entertainment venue shows a “lack of ambition” from the Conservatives.
“Labour see the Entertainment Venue as the priority, due to its importance in demonstrating regeneration is really happening in Swindon town centre and ensuring the quality venue in the town for years to come,” said Cllr Robbins.
“Once the Entertainment Venue is up and running, and we are part of a successful Thames Valley mayoral area, we should be able to attract investment into the Wyvern area and transform that part of town which really needs it.”
Councillor Sara Godwin, Reform UK leader in Swindon said that for her party, “protecting the current theatre provision comes first”.
“Before committing to major spending, the Council should publish a clear comparison of refurbishing the Wyvern and building the proposed new venue, including construction costs, ongoing maintenance, expected income and any subsidy or borrowing required,” she said.
“A new venue could help regenerate the town centre and support local businesses, but it must have a credible, affordable business case and deliver clear improvements in the range of performances, accessibility and facilities available to residents.
“We would also want a clear plan for the existing Wyvern building.”
Laura James, Theatre Director, Wyvern Theatre and Swindon Arts Centre said: ‘Swindon Borough Council’s ambitious plans for a much larger entertainment venue in the town centre is an exciting proposition for residents and an important catalyst for future economic growth.
“We fully support and welcome the council’s plans for a new venue for Swindon and are committed to playing an active part as those plans take shape.
“In the meantime, the Wyvern Theatre along with Swindon Arts Centre continue to play an integral part in Swindon’s cultural scene providing theatre, live entertainment, and events for the local community.
“The Wyvern remains fully open with a packed programme of shows and events for the foreseeable future including Kinky Boots, Twelve Angry Men, The Mousetrap, Million Dollar Quartet, our traditional family pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk and much more.”
Both the Wyvern Theatre and Swindon Arts Centre are part of Trafalgar Theatres, which has a contract with Swindon Borough Council that does not expire until 2029.
The Adver asked the council whether they were confident of the continuing presence of the Wyvern in Swindon after this contract expires, but they did provide an answer.
✍Original copy by Hannah Walton-Hughes, Local Democracy Reporter
