The building project has entered its next phase with the signing of a contract for above-ground construction.

The new name, chosen by the townspeople, will be Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, taking its name from its setting next to the canal and the Bearbrook.

It was the most popular name submitted by locals in a competition to name the venue and the winner will be announced next week.

Other names included The Hampden and The Aylesbury Duck.

Contracts have been signed between Aylesbury Vale District Council and contractor Willmott Dixon so that the main construction work can go ahead following the completion of work below ground.

Work on the basement and ground source heat pump started in May last year and the theatre is due to open in early 2010.

Leader of AVDC, John Cartwright, said: "It's a major milestone.

"We are on the final lap at last. It's going to take another 18 months to complete, but we are there and it's a wonderful day for me, for everybody involved and the people of Aylesbury Vale.

"Every day we come on the site and we can see it grow a little bit more and now the people who go past will be able to see it rise above the boardings."

Yesterday morning Cllr Cartwright and Cllr Netta Glover, chairman of the council, took to the controls of a digger to mark the official start to the works.

Currently at the site there is a large concrete hole in the ground, but it is possible to see the curved edge of the outer building and where the lift shafts, lighting and sound gallery and orchestra pit will go.
People will now see the main structure being constructed following the design of architect, Norman Bragg.

In the concept for the design he said: "The inspiration for the physical expression of the public foyer is founded on the gentle undulation of the neighbouring Chiltern Hills - and the surrounding woodland areas.

"Extending this analogy more directly into the building form the foyer is conceived as a 'wood' - with the auditorium itself a woodland clearing set within.

"The main facade is characterised by the signature timber columns and fins, undulating in plan form and with the rising and falling of the roof.

"These vertical timber elements, abstracted trees, continue within the foyer to reinforce the romantic associations of a walk through woodland."

The main hall will seat 1,200 people as a stalls level with two tiers above and this capacity will be increased to 1,800 for part-standing events.

Are you looking forward to the new theatre opening?

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