10 Nov 2010

Swansea based Dawnus Construction start work on Sherman Cymru’s £6 million redevelopment.

Cardiff’s only producing theatre building has begun its transformation into a cultural venue that is fit for purpose for 21st century audiences, participants and practitioners.

The long-awaited new look Sherman Cymru building will see a completely new façade that will become recognised as a landmark building for the city, reconfiguration of the front of house and backstage areas areas, new seating in the two performance venues and a new rehearsal room that will be built on the existing staff car park. Vital improvements will also me made to the ventilation and heating systems and the plumbing.

Sherman Cymru’s Director, Chris Ricketts said:
“The building work will vastly improve facilities, enhance our profile within the city and really enable us to be more ambitious with the productions we create and the performances we programme.”

Giving Cardiff a producing theatre venue that reflects the quality and ambition of the creative work happening inside is long overdue. The notion behind the redevelopment plans is to create a building that will enhance the experience for audiences and participants, and to improve conditions for practitioners and staff.

Sherman Cymru’s Chairman Emyr Jenkins said: 
“Our redevelopment plans are aimed to give the Capital City of Wales's only producing theatre the venue it, and its audience, deserves - something of which we can all be proud.”

Dawnus Regional Director Russell Evans stated: 
“We are excited by the prospect of modernising this great theatre and helping to create a truly sustainable and pleasing venue which the Cardiff community can enjoy for years to come”

In 2009 Sherman Cymru was awarded a total of £4.64 million from the Arts Council of Wales, the main award being a Capital Lottery Grant. This leaves the company with £1.36 million shortfall to raise through a fundraising campaign. To date, the company has raised £535,000 through support from the public sector, individual giving, corporate sector, but mainly trusts and foundations.

Substantial support has been given by three of the UK’s most prestigious foundations; the Garfield Weston Foundation, The Foyle Foundation and The Monument Trust. This support will be integral to the success of the campaign, but there is still a long way to go. For further details about Sherman Cymru’s redevelopment and details of how to support the campaign please visit www.shermancymru.co.uk/capital