Once the subject of a makeover on the ‘Challenge Anneka’ TV programme, the New Olympus Theatre on Barton Street is a fully operational theatre and cinema which is now seeking a new owner. It could continue to be run as a theatre, but it also has a number of potential uses and represents an interesting development opportunity in a city centre location.

This beautiful Grade II listed building was originally constructed in 1923 as a cinema before being converted into a theatre in the mid 1980s. The theatre comprises a main auditorium which is highly decorative and includes many ornate mouldings and wall lights, with raked audience seating, including a balcony area, for almost 400 people. The 11,800 sq ft building also benefits from two ticket offices, lighting and sound system control rooms, a bar, dressing rooms and a studio also with raked seating.

The current owners, Gloucestershire Operatic and Dramatic Society (GODS), are one of the largest theatre companies in the region and have put on performances at the theatre since they purchased it in 1984. They are currently looking for alternative premises where they will be able to rehearse and perform once the theatre has been sold.   

Julian Capewell, agent at Bruton Knowles in Gloucester comments: “This is a highly unusual and historic property with huge development potential. The New Olympus Theatre is well known in Gloucester and has attracted many famous performers and large audiences. Potential purchasers could either keep the building as a fully operational theatre or, subject to securing the necessary planning permission, it could be suitable for alternative uses. These would probably lean towards leisure use and could include a restaurant, conference facility or hotel.”

Sarah Payne from GODS comments: “The New Olympus Theatre has been our home for 21 years. As one of the city’s leading theatre venues we have put on over 130 shows here and have been lucky enough to have seen a number of famous faces grace our stage including comedian Jasper Carrot and jazz musician Acker Bilk. Although the theatre sale represents the end of an era, GODS will be entertaining the people of Gloucestershire for many years to come at different venues and locations across the region.”

The New Olympus Theatre fronts directly onto Barton Street, approximately a quarter of a mile to the south east of the main retail area of Gloucester city centre. The city benefits from excellent communications links and is situated adjacent to junctions 11, 11a and 12 of the M5 motorway. Gloucester also benefits from a main line railway station with regular services to London Paddington. 

For further information on the New Olympus Theatre or to arrange a viewing please contact Julian Capewell /Kurt Wyman at Bruton Knowles on 01452 880000.

http://www.newolympustheatre.co.uk/