March 2009 saw the official opening of Shrewsbury's Theatre Severn on Frankwell Quay - a stunning riverside location and one of the main gateways into the town. Shrewsbury is the county town of Shropshire and is renowned for its culture and heritage. Shrewsbury has developed as a 'destination town' and draws people in from the West Midlands and mid Wales who come to enjoy the culture and leisure opportunities.
The need for a new theatre in Shrewsbury was first mooted around 45 years ago and the project came very close to being approved with various sites and building designs being put forward. The turning point came with the success of the Music Hall over the last decade which proved that the audience had outgrown the venue and that the staff in place had the experience and expertise to deliver a new theatre for Shropshire. The re-opening of the Old Market Hall in January 2004 re-enforced this with the venue proving a resounding success. On the 26th September 2005 Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council committed to build a New Entertainment Venue in Shrewsbury. Construction began in November 2006. The architects for the project are Austin Smith Lord and the Theatre has been built by Wilmot Dixon.
