Ulster University proposes council lease for Riverside Theatre

Ulster University has suggested that a local council take over the lease of the Riverside Theatre, which is considered Northern Ireland's oldest operating professional theatre outside Belfast. This proposal comes after the university announced it would review the theatre's usage. The university, which owns the theatre on its Coleraine campus, proposed that the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council cover nearly £750,000 for essential repairs and about £500,000 in annual running costs. The Riverside Theatre has a capacity of 350 and first opened in the 1970s. The council was set to discuss the motion at a meeting, but it did not proceed. Councillor Aaron Callan raised concerns about the practicality of the proposal. He noted that the council's budget is already stretched, with several large projects in progress, and questioned the university's vision for the theatre's future. Councillor Yvonne Boyle from the Alliance party emphasized the importance of the theatre and expressed her commitment to keeping it operational. Other council members also expressed their concerns. UUP councillor John Wisener highlighted the theatre's importance to the community, while Progressive Unionist Party councillor Russell Watton warned about the building's urgent repair needs. The SDLP expressed support for retaining the theatre but sought clarity on the costs involved in the proposal. They emphasized the need to understand the financial implications for local taxpayers before a decision is made. The future of Riverside Theatre remains uncertain as discussions continue.