A new theatre space is potentially coming to Stratford.
City council approved a zoning change to the former County of Perth Archives building at 24 St. Andrew St. at its Monday night meeting.
The change would allow an 80-seat theatre, with a classroom, studios, retail store, restaurant, and special event space.
John McClelland, director of public works at Perth County - which owns the property - said that they are working with a small theatre company for the re-use of the space.
McClelland shared that they are cautiously optimistic that the project will be successful and a good news story on many fronts, but it is too early to confirm the project or the company involved.
More updates on the project will be announced as the project develops, McClelland said.
The zone change means no additional parking is needed. The current zoning bylaw requires a parking space for every four-person seating capacity.
City planner Alexander Burnett said that although there were some concerns regarding parking, staff believes there is enough nearby.
The property has 45 off-street parking spaces, another 12 that are used in agreement with the Stratford Jail, 10 spaces servicing the Shakespearean Gardens, 19 on-street parking on St. Andrew Street, and 220 parking spaces at nearby municipal lots (York, Erie, and Kalbfleisch lots are within 400 metres).
He did note that the 45 spaces are used by the County of Perth courthouse from 8 a.m. and 5 p.m..
Burnett said that the applicant will direct theatre-goers on the most appropriate places to park for the respective performances. Matinee attendees should park on city-owned lots such as the York Street. Evening guests are free to park at the county-owned lot used for the courthouse.
There was a public meeting on the property Dec. 11. The public brought up the impact such an endeavour would have on the traffic and safety on St. Andrew Street and nearby Birmingham Street.
Coun. Bonnie Henderson asked about what would be affected, since the majority of the report speaks to 24 St. Andrew St. but the application is for that location and 1 and 5 Huron St.
Because the building is within the city of Stratford, it is subject to city bylaws, even though it is owned by the County of Perth, and part of the so-called 'courthouse campus'.
The zoning change passed with councillors Larry McCabe and Jo-Dee Burbach declaring pecuniary interest and not voting on the change or its subsequent bylaw.
