Plans to make Chelmsford a major cultural centre were unveiled by the borough council on Wednesday.

The plan, which will need £30 million investment, includes a £25million multiplex theatre and concert centre at Chelmer Waterside.

Council leader Mike Mackrory described the plans as the most exciting for Chelmsford in 30 years.

However, senior opposition member and former arts chairman Chris Kingsley feared that it was "another wish list for which there is little hope of funding."

The aim of consultants ATC is to create a 1,200-1,400 seat theatre that could double as a venue for various concerts from rock to classics, linked to two smaller theatres on a multiplex site.

The minimum time for this to happen is about six years.

The draft arts master plan has not yet gone into funding or the apportionment of costs between the private and public sectors.

Chief executive Martin Easteal said: "All avenues of funding will be investigated, including the Lottery."

The 21st century dream would mean closure of the present Cramphorn and Civic theatres and throw into question the future of the whole civic complex at Duke Street, he said.

Mr Easteal even hinted that a new Civic Centre could be built at Waterside as part of the cultural shift towards the Chelmer.

Published Thursday, February 6, 2003

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