Sunderland theatre expansion proposal takes centre stage

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: A proposal to expand the stage, at Sunderland Town Hall, is moving ahead for further study, after receiving endorsement in principle at Brock Township’s Monday, April 27th council meeting.

The plan, brought forward by the Sunderland Youth Theatre Group, calls for a permanent extension to the historic auditorium stage, an upgrade supporters say would improve safety, enhance performances, and better support youth programming in the community.

Council supported the concept, directing staff to consult with user groups and the broader public before any final decision is made. That process will include engagement with regular renters and a public open house, with details to be shared through the township’s website and social media channels.

“This is a well-used and much-valued community space,” said Mayor Mike Jubb. “We want to make sure any changes reflect the needs of all users, while continuing to support opportunities for youth and the arts in our community.”

The proposal would extend the stage, approximately six feet outward across its 37-foot width, adding about 222 square feet of performance space. The existing temporary extension, currently installed and removed, has been described as heavy and cumbersome, prompting the push for a permanent solution.

Wayne Ward, Brock’s Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities, said, the idea has merit but requires careful review, particularly given the building’s age and designation.

“Because this is a public assembly space, in a historic building, constructed in 1906, any modifications need to be properly designed and engineered,” Mr. Ward explained. “We have to ensure the structure can support the additional load and we maintain the character of the hall while meeting all safety requirements.”

Preliminary costs to study the proposal, including architectural and engineering assessments, are estimated at up to $20,000, which the theatre group has committed to funding. The township has not allocated budget dollars to the project, and any work would be carried out with full cost recovery from community partners.

Councillor Lynn Campbell emphasized the importance of hearing from all those who use the space, before moving forward.

“This hall serves a wide range of groups, from theatre and music festivals to community events and private rentals,” Councillor Campbell said. “It’s important we gather input so we understand how a permanent change like this could impact seating, sightlines, and overall use.”

Among the considerations raised in the staff report are potential reductions in seating capacity and impacts on balcony sightlines. The auditorium is heavily used throughout the year.

As part of the review, staff will also explore alternative options, such as portable staging systems which could offer flexibility without permanently altering the space. A preliminary quote, for a modular stage setup, came in at just over $24,000, plus HST.

Mr. Ward noted, while a permanent extension could benefit performers, flexibility may be key in a multi-use facility.

“Portable staging could provide many of the same advantages while preserving the current layout for other events,” he said. “That’s something we’ll be examining closely, alongside the permanent option.”

Council is expected to receive a follow-up report, after consultations and technical assessments are complete, with a target timeline which could see the project return for final consideration by September.