THOSE responsible for plans for a new 500-seat theatre - now been scrapped in favour of a smaller venue - have been accused of 'taking their eye off the ball.'

The council’s Labour leadership has vowed to get to the bottom of spiralling costs and whether the original idea was ever feasible.

Worcester City Council will be abandoning plans to turn the listed Scala Theatre in Angel Place in Worcester into a 500-seat venue and building a smaller 300-seat venue instead.

Councillor Jabba Riaz, deputy leader of Worcester City Council’s Labour group, said the party would be examining why the council will have to move to build a smaller venue after seeing soaring costs push the project’s budget over by £3.5 million.

READ MORE: Plan for 500-seat Scala Theatre in Worcester ditched for smaller venue

“The original vision sold to council members was always fanciful,” he said. “The building was previously a cinema and is poorly suited to hosting a fully-functioning 500-seat theatre.”

“Plans were only allowed to get this far because, I believe, the pressure of delivering a renovated building in time for a general election meant that the eye was taken off the ball.

“Costs have spiralled, and a huge amount has been paid to consultants. We will be reviewing how the council has found itself in this position and left with a much-reduced pot of money.”

Cllr Riaz claimed the “eye had been taken off the ball” over the Scala to ensure it was finished in time for the next general election.

Labour leader and co-council leader Cllr Lynn Denham said the city’s arts organisations need to be involved more to make sure the Scala was a success.

"Going forward, the Labour leadership will keep a close eye on costs, and ensure a greater level of democratic oversight of the project,” she said.

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“The Scala is a beautiful building, but investment in buildings is no good unless you bring the people along with you, and that's what we're now going to do.

“It is time for proper involvement with the grassroots organisations whose support will be key to the Scala's long-term success.

“There are still significant sums of money available from the Future High Streets Fund. By involving the city's creative communities, we believe that the next phase of the Scala's life will truly reflect the needs of the Worcester arts scene.”

The council has blamed inflation and rising construction costs for the spiralling budget.

David Blake, managing director at Worcester City Council, said rising costs were hitting everybody hard and the Scala Theatre project was no exception.

“We have had to reconsider our plans and work out how we can still provide Worcester with a popular and attractive new arts venue, one that will become a popular hub for live entertainment and the arts in the very heart of our city,” he said.

“There are still many issues to be addressed, including the development of a viable business plan for the venue and agreeing construction timescales with the Government, but I hope that with these new proposals, we can make the revamped Scala a reality.”