County Councillors are ‘determined’ to keep Abergavenny’s financially-troubled Borough Theatre open, announcing that a new full-time manager will help steer the cultural centre into calmer waters.

Building on a recent announcement that secured the theatre’s immediate financial future, Monmouthshire County Council’s deputy leader Bob Greenland told cabinet last week that a six-month reprieve was not enough time to forge a solid plan.

Announcing the recruitment of a full-time manager, Cllr Greenland said he and fellow councillors were committed to finding a long-term solution to secure the beleaguered theatre’s future.

“I am determined that we find a sustainable future,” he said. “And I know colleagues around the table feel likewise. I am convinced that we will get there. And that we will have a theatre that serves not just Abergavenny, but one that acts as an important cultural centre for the whole county.”

Revealing that discussions between MCC and interested groups had been ‘positive’ Cllr Greenland thanked the local A4B volunteers for their commitment and effort toward keeping the theatre open and preparing it for a stable future. ??“They are extremely passionate, and adamant that the theatre should survive. We have come to truly value their help over the last few months,” he added.

The two parties are now working towards approving an official charter to cement the group’s contribution.

Monmouthshire County Council took over the Grade II listed building in February having reached an agreement with the Borough Theatre Trust (BTT).

Trustees were unable to form a budget amidst falling council funding and mounting repair costs, forcing the council to step in. A six-month review was recently extended, but last week’s meeting determined that a new manager appointed for two years was the next step.

Cllr Greenland added that the original six-month timeline did not offer enough time to iron out a sustainable plan. MCC transferred the theatre’s current staff of six onto its payroll earlier this year.

Cath Fallon, the council’s head of enterprise, said a fortnight ago that the theatre is expected to break even against a budget of £114,000 – the current council subsidy, whilst The Arts Council for Wales (ACW) has agreed to pay £14,000 to replace antiquated lighting and sound equipment, upgrading the theatre’s analogue system to a digital one.

Acting for the Borough (A4B), a group representing the amateur dramatics community based at the theatre, will also provide 20 per cent match funding for the work.

Council leader Peter Fox underlined MCC’s commitment to the theatre, stating that it was not just an ‘important local asset’ but a ‘jewel in the crown’ to wider Monmouthshire.

“Let us hope this is the way forward to put the Borough Theatre on sustainable footing,” he said.

The theatre has navigated financial difficulties in recent years. A board of trustees took over the operation from MCC back in 2013, running the theatre as a charity until the start of this year.

Receiving an annual £160,000 since 2016, the Borough Theatre tried to balance the books with another £28,000 grant from the Arts Council Wales as it tried to steady its financial footing, but a £120,000 repair bill plunged the theatre into trouble.

Councillors will announce the new manager of the Borough Theatre in the next few weeks.