£20m-plus to replace the Riverside Theatre

THE true cost of replacing Coleraine’s Riverside Theatre has emerged from crisis talks between the venue’s owners, Ulster University and Causeway Coast and Glens Council.
Officially the council would only say it gained a better understanding of “the health &safety, operational and financial issues involved.”
However, the Chronicle understands attendees at the crunch meeting on Tuesday were told extending the building’s life for up to a decade would cost a minimum of £3m. Replacing the venue comes with an estimated price tag north of £20m.
The meeting was called because the university has announced the curtain will come down for good next month, the unless the council agrees a takeover deal.

For the full report see this week's Chronicle