Final curtain due to fall on Pacific Road theatre

Sep 21 2011 by Liam Murphy, Birkenhead News

WIRRAL'S Pacific Road Theatre faces closure under new plans by the council.

The borough's ruling cabinet will decide on Thursday what to do with the theatre, transport museum and tramway in Birkenhead.

However, the council has shifted its focus away from insisting that whoever takes over the buildings near Woodside retain the working theatre.

The sale was part of the council's Strategic Asset Review, intended to dispose of surplus properties owned and maintained by the council.

Earlier this year, Merseytravel pulled the plug on plans to take over the site, including the theatre, but remains interested in the tramway and transport museum.

Now a report to the cabinet, which meets Thursday (September 22), said: “In terms of the Pacific Road facility the position has changed substantially since the Strategic Asset Review took place.

“Since its successful opening, the Floral Pavilion Theatre has become the focus for theatrical activity and performance.”

Wirral Youth Theatre, formerly based at Pacific Road, has since been found a new home, and the report said: “Confidence in Pacific Road has been badly affected by uncertainty over its future, with a reduction in future bookings and audiences.

“A programme is running at the venue until Christmas 2011.