Sir, It's clear that Oxford needs a multi-purpose conference centre and theatre. This is mooted in the current planning options for the West End development.
Oxpens meadow is an ideal site, with access to train, airport and regional coach services as well as already planned car parking. However, in the preferred options document, it is suggested that on the theatre side of the equation, 'there is a gap in venues of around 400-500 capacity'. No there isn't. Sheldonian and Holywell, as well as the Jacqueline du Pr halls already exist. For musicals, opera and ballet, a modern, comfortable auditorium is needed for 1,500 to 2,000 and this is also a reasonable size for most conferences. For both functions, smaller workshop and seminar rooms are required. A new needs assessment is needed.
The New Theatre shows no signs of being at all interested in a serious re-fit. Thus, it is for the city itself, with county and regional backing, to move assertively in the Oxpens direction.
Margaret Maden, Oxford
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