THE South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) is being urged to honour its promise of investing £200,000 in the refurbishment of Bournemouth’s historic Shelley Theatre.

The ambitious project to reopen the Boscombe theatre is under threat because SWRDA is carrying out an 11th hour review of its grant funding. The quango was supposed to invest £200,000 towards the capital costs of the refurbishment. This was one of the pre-conditions that would trigger a council contribution of £500,000.

At a meeting of Bournemouth’s cabinet, councillors agreed to express their concern at SWRDA’s change of heart.

Councillors also agreed to complete a funding agreement with Grovely Manor Theatre Trust that will allow for the release of £500,000 once the council is satisfied the Trust has secured enough money to fund the refurbishment and fit-out of the building.

They were told that the business case for the theatre operation is robust and the scheme is considered viable if the additional capital funding can be secured.

The theatre is part of the Shelley Manor site, which the council sold to the Charles Higgins Primary Care Limited in December 2006.

The developer then went on to secure planning consent for a mixed-use scheme, comprising a medical centre, pharmacy, residential flats, community theatre and café. Work is currently well under way on the medical centre.

A spokesperson for SWRDA confirmed all projects across the south west were under review.

“A number of issues are placing pressure on the RDA’s budgets, including reduced funding from government and a significant reduction in our income from capital assets during the current economic downturn. Our board must review our full programme before making final decisions in May.”