East Cambridgeshire District Council has awarded Viva Arts and Community Group in Soham £100,000 in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding to support its expansion.
The funding will contribute to a wider £140,000 project aimed at enhancing the theatre’s facilities, enabling increased youth participation and improving welfare and safeguarding spaces.
The expansion will ensure the group can continue to operate in full compliance with the Children in Entertainment Regulations while providing a more inclusive and accessible environment for users.
Viva Arts and Community Group has already committed £40,000 towards the project through fundraising activities and its own reserves, demonstrating strong local backing for the scheme.
The project will strengthen Soham’s existing community infrastructure, delivering improved arts and cultural facilities for residents across the town and surrounding villages. It also supports the council’s Corporate Plan priorities under ‘Sustainable Communities’ by investing in facilities that bring people together and enhance local quality of life.
The application received support from a range of organisations including Soham Town Council, the National Operatic and Dramatic Association, and Anglia Learning Trust. A public consultation also demonstrated positive community backing for the proposals.
Subject to planning approval, work on the theatre expansion is expected to begin in January 2027 and complete by August 2027.
The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge applied to new developments to help fund infrastructure needed to support growth.
Councillor Alan Sharp, Chair of the Finance and Assets Committee, said: "This investment reflects our commitment to supporting thriving, inclusive communities across East Cambridgeshire.
“I have had the pleasure of attending performances at Viva involving the talented young people and it is a perfect example of how belief and passion within an organisation can power real benefits for a local community.
“The Viva Theatre is a valued local asset, and this funding will help ensure it continues to provide high-quality opportunities for residents—particularly young people—for many years to come."
Daniel Schumann, Founder and Artistic Director of Viva Arts and Community Group, said:
"We are absolutely thrilled to receive this funding from East Cambridgeshire District Council. This investment is a huge milestone for Viva and will enable us to create a safer, more inclusive and accessible theatre that meets the needs of our growing community.
“Making theatre available to all is at the heart of everything we do. The expansion will allow us to welcome more young people, enhance the experience for everyone who uses our facilities, and ensure we continue to provide outstanding opportunities in the performing arts for many years to come. We are incredibly grateful to the council, our supporters, and everyone who has helped us reach this point."