Watergate Theatre Unveils Plans for New Facility and Improvements

The Watergate Theatre in Kilkenny has announced ambitious plans to transform its offerings, unveiling its new Strategic Plan 2025-2029 during Culture Night. This initiative aims to enhance the theatre’s facilities and create a more inclusive environment for patrons, performers, and staff.

Transforming Spaces for Growth and Inclusion

The plan emphasizes three core themes: space, growth, and inclusion. Among the key elements is the conversion of the old Squash Court located in the Abbey Quarter into a modern studio and development space. This conversion is designed to better accommodate the needs of the theatre’s diverse audience and offer more opportunities for smaller shows once the development is completed.

Watergate Theatre Chairman, Nickey Brennan, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, acknowledging the need for improvements to meet modern expectations. “We’re aware that the theatre itself is not quite meeting the needs of patrons in many different regards and it’s time that changed,” he stated. The theatre aims to address both basic requirements and enhance the overall experience for visitors.

Since its opening by President Mary Robinson in 1993, the Watergate Theatre has hosted numerous national and international performances, gaining popularity within the community. The new strategic plan reflects a vision to achieve universal access to the arts, recognizing that some aspects of the existing structure are no longer suitable for a contemporary arts centre.

Commitment to Community and Stakeholder Engagement

As part of the strategic plan, the Watergate Theatre has committed to continually reviewing its Board membership to ensure representation from diverse community groups. The theatre also aims to improve access to workspaces throughout the venue, fostering an environment that supports artistic creation and collaboration.

Consultation for the development of this plan began in mid-2023, involving the Watergate Board, Executive Team, Artists in Residence, Kilkenny County Council, the Arts Council, and local community members. The plan was crafted by Executive Director Joanna Cunningham with ongoing feedback from key stakeholders, and designed by Emma O’Neill. Susan Coughlan from Art of Change facilitated the process, ensuring a comprehensive approach.

These developments follow a successful year for the theatre, highlighted by Kilkenny County Council granting permission for essential energy upgrade works. The project includes the installation of new insulated cladding to the auditorium and fly tower, enhancing the theatre’s sustainability.

The latest strategic plan reaffirms the theatre’s commitment to serving the diverse needs of its community. It emphasizes the importance of enhancing organizational capacity and maintaining relevance in an evolving cultural landscape, ensuring that the Watergate Theatre remains a cherished resource for years to come.