£1.6 million to be spent overhauling technology at 'flagship' venues

Upgrades approved for Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre

More than £1.6 million of taxpayers’ money will be spent upgrading the sound and lighting technology at the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre.

Tynwald has voted in favour of the two-phase project which will see equipment - described as ‘obsolete, substandard and unreliable’ - replaced.

The three-year capital works project – which was first proposed in 2018 - will see the rigging overhauled and the acoustics of both venues improved.

Modern, and interchangeable, lighting and sound facilities will also be installed.

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Education, Sport and Culture Minister Julie Edge said: "Both venues must offer a plug and play experience that makes it stress free for acts to visit and alleviates the need to import, or extensively hire, equipment which would make the Island an unattractive touring destination.

"Once complete it will ensure the Island continues to attract the calibre of singers, bands, comedians and productions that people have become accustomed too." 

In Tynwald yesterday she described the Douglas venues as 'flagship buildings':

The minister found support from a number of political colleagues including Garff’s Daphne Caine, MLC Rob Mercer and Douglas South MHK, and political member for culture, Claire Christian:

However there were also those who felt they couldn’t support the plans – in part because of the difficult period the Island’s residents are experiencing:

Twenty MHKs supported the plan with just three – John Wannenburgh, Stu Peters and Jason Moorhouse – voting against it; the Legislative Council supported it unanimously.

The last major overhaul of sound and lighting equipment at the Gaiety Theatre and Villa Marina happened in 1996 and 2004 respectively.

It’s understood money will be made available from 2027 for a rolling programme of maintenance on the new equipment.