The Waterside Theatre opened on the 12^th October with the award–winning and breathtaking Northern Ballet Theatre’s Swan Lake.

As the first new theatre of the decade in Britain, the Waterside Theatre holds a unique position in theatre history.  Around 300,000 people from across Aylesbury Vale and beyond are expected to visit the new theatre each year to enjoy a dynamic and diverse programme of live performances

The theatre’s name reflects its location as it is situated beside the Grand Union Canal, to the south of Aylesbury. The train and bus station are a 5 minutes walk away as is access to the town centre’s restaurants, pubs and hospitality areas in Market Square and Kingsbury Square.

The concept for the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre was developed by Aylesbury Vale District Council and internationally-renowned theatre designers, RHWL Arts Team.  The theatre has a 1,200-seat auditorium that converts into a 1,800-capacity hall for standing events, and a 225-seat suite for smaller events including dance, drama, meetings and conferences.

Aylesbury Vale District Council (AVDC) and Warner Estate have expressed their confidence in Aylesbury’s future by investing in this multi-million pound retail development.

Phase 1 of this 3 phased build is currently underway; AVDC’s new theatre will be completed in autumn 2010.

The remaining phases will result in a mixed use development. Warner Estate are to expand their retail holdings in Hale Leys by building on the current site of the Civic Centre and swimming pool on Exchange Street. The development includes plans for a Debenham’s department store and a further 30 shops. In addition, a 30,900 sq ft Waitrose foodstore will be located on the south side of the road between the existing Bear Brook and the canal to facilitate the creation of a large public space in front of the theatre. There are also plans for the construction of some 150 new homes, a 800 space multi-storey car park and a range of cafes and restaurants.

This exciting new retail expansion is the first stage in the proposal to renew Aylesbury town centre. Aylesbury Town Centre Plan (2009 – 2021) a project which has been led by Aylesbury Vale Advantage. This planning is at a draft stage.

(Click the the images above for a larger view)

Construction of this major 48.6 hectares new development is underway.  By late 2010 about half the homes on site are completed and many occupied.  Construction of the final two residential phases is due to start in 2011.

With permission granted for up to 1,035 homes, the completed development will form the basis for a balanced community, combining homes for families, couples and single residents within an attractive environment and supported by a range of services & facilities.

The principal developers involved, Taylor Wimpey, Bryants, Careys and Persimmon are building a mix of housing types, including affordable and shared ownership homes as well as market homes, coupled with features that include:

• Local community centre (to include sports facilities)
• Parks, 3 play areas and open spaces
• Combined School
• Retail & food outlets

As part of the development’s sustainable environmental approach a series of landscaped ’detention basins’ and ditches form part of a drainage and flood prevention system. 

As the community develops future facilities could include a care home and a ’Park-and-Ride’ facility.