Campaign for a theatre in Tramore progresses

A campaign for a theatre in tramore has taken a step forward with the news that a survey has been opened to get suggestions from the public on how to implement the development.

At present, a feasibility study is underway to assess the proposal for a community theatre in the town as part of a larger community arts facility. That community arts facility would potentially be the cornerstone of a new civic quarter for Tramore in the long term. The results of the survey will be used to inform the feasibility study.

Currently, Tramore has no dedicated community theatre or arts space. The driving forces behind the project are Stagemad’s, James Power and Garrett Wyse, who set up the Tramore Area Community Theatre (TACT) Company, a community facility and service which is community controlled, run and managed.

Denis Byrne Architects are currently working with TACT and the Tramore Centre Management Group on the development whilst the feasibity study is underway. 

A specific location is yet to be decided, however over 20 locations around Tramore have been looked at as potential sites. 

Speaking with the Waterford News & Star about the campaign, Garrett Wyse said the project has been in the making for many years.

“It started off with myself and James from Stagemad. We’ve been working on this for over eight years and it continues to grow because of the level of demand coupled with the lack of supply. We have a huge demand for spaces to accommodate exhibitions, performances, rehearses, storage, and meetings in Tramore," he said.

"Waterford City and County Council applied for a feasibility study grant which they got and its actually been extended because its been so comprehensive and illuminating. The feasibility study will hopefully be finishing up around September, when it will be presented to the Tramore Town Centre Management Group and then hopefully adopted by the Plenary Council" he added. 

Garrett said that the recently launched survey will inform the architects as to what facilities are needed in Tramore and the demand from locals. He commented that the survey received hundreds of responses in only a matter of days.

“This survey is going to inform the feasibility study, to try and gauge the level of demand, type of demand, demographics, what people want and what they expect. We are looking for suggestions and feedback from people and community groups who live in Tramore, work in Tramore and visit Tramore," he said.

“Responses are coming in by the minute and it lifts my heart. For many years we’ve been banging the drum on this and the expectation is huge. So to see the people now have an opportunity to express that is wonderful and they’re doing it in the droves. It fills my heart and its quite humbling when you realise you’re working to make these people’s dreams come true in Tramore," he added.

“The more people speak up the stronger the voice Tramore has collectively to make this happen."

The survey can be accessed via www.cognitoforms.com or at the ‘Campaign for a Theatre in Tramore’ Facebook page.