CONCERNS have been raised about the future of Basildon's "hugely popular" theatre after new council documents have suggested it could be replaced by a new 3,500-seat arena.

Basildon's Towngate Theatre, noted as a "stepping stone" for new and aspiring performers, could be lost as part of plans by Basildon Borough Council to build the huge events arena in the town next to the Westgate Shopping Centre. The theatre, built in the late 1980s, features a 580-seat auditorium and a 200-seat studio.

Responding to a recent question on social media, council leader Gavin Callaghan said the theatre was "unaffected by the arena development".

A spokesman for the council added that "there are no plans whatsoever to remove the Towngate Theatre".

However, a recent report says the council conducted market analysis for "an events venue in Basildon Town Centre to replace the existing Towngate Theatre" in July 2025.

Council documents also state that the arena plans could be agreed upon in early 2027 and suggest that there is "a clear opportunity to deliver a more dynamic and scalable cultural offer" than the theatre currently offers.

How the new 3,500 seat area might look

Suggestions to replace the theatre have been met with concern from the opposition on Basildon Council.

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Former Basildon Tory leader Andrew Baggott said: "The Towngate is a viable concern, if you start announcing six months in advance, that you might be getting rid of a place, it becomes very difficult to book acts and book people as it might not exist.

"It throws the whole viability of the Towngate into question, and is very foolish of the council to even hint that this could be the case. Who's going to buy tickets for next year's pantomime if the place may not exist?

"The impact on smaller arts groups and productions would be massive because then they've got nowhere to go, and I understand the arena is not going to have that facility. It's a complete kick in the teeth to volunteers who do a lot of work.

"The Towngate has been a stepping stone for kids to tread the boards and learn the arts before going onto better things, it's been hugely popular for the community."

A spokesman for Basildon Council said: "The council sees the Towngate Theatre as an important asset for the community and recognises local appeal and value.

"At present, there are no plans whatsoever to remove the Towngate Theatre or its programme of shows from the town centre. We are in the process of exploring different routes forward for the site giving due consideration the importance of the Theatre the wider town centre vision."

This year's spectaculatr pantomine at the Towngate is now underway and will be reviewed on Nub News at the weekend. https://thurrock.nub.news/whats-on/theatre/sp13222-sleeping-beauty-basildons-christmas-panto-at-the-towngate-27-november-to-4-january-83306