Member's statement: Riverside Theatre, Coleraine

Member's statement by Ms Claire Sugden on 13 January 2025.

MLA

Ms Claire Sugden

Party at the time

Independent

Date

13 January 2025

Type

Member's statement

Business

Members' Statements

Heading

Riverside Theatre, Coleraine

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 4737872

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I rise to express my concern about the Riverside Theatre in Coleraine, which has been an important cultural institution in Northern Ireland since 1976. It is the only professional theatre in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area, and its potential closure would have wide-ranging consequences not only for those who rely on it for creative expression but for the wider area.

The Riverside Theatre is a space in which talent is nurtured and showcased. It has hosted world-class performances and served as a launch pad for local actors, writers and musicians. Notably, James Nesbitt, one of Northern Ireland's best-known actors, began his journey here. It has also been a home for amateur theatre groups and a space where talent has flourished across genres from drama to music, comedy and dance. Beyond professional productions, it offers a platform for the community to come together, build connections and celebrate the arts. While its cultural contributions are significant, the theatre's closure would also have a tangible impact on the local economy. It draws visitors to the area, supporting nearby businesses such as cafés, shops and hotels. If the Riverside Theatre were to close, the borough would become the only council area in Northern Ireland without a professional theatre, an unacceptable gap that would deprive the community of opportunities for creative engagement and connection and undermine a part of Northern Ireland that we often sell as our premier tourist destination. Unfortunately, the challenge facing Riverside Theatre is not an isolated issue. It reflects broader concerns about the gradual reduction of resources and focus at Ulster University's Coleraine campus. For over 50 years the campus has been a cornerstone of the town's economy, attracting students, staff and visitors who support local businesses and create jobs. Its presence has been integral to the area's identity and infrastructure, providing access to education for generations of families. However, the steady movement of key courses, including the performing arts, to Magee and other campuses raises questions about the long-term strategy for Coleraine. While not an immediate threat, the erosion of resources has created uncertainty and unease in our community in Coleraine. For a town that has built so much of its economy and future around the university, that trend risks diminishing Coleraine's role as a centre of education and opportunity. If we pull down this key structure, we pull down what has been built around it. I urge the university, the local council, the Minister for the Economy and the Minister for Communities to ensure that the theatre's future is built on its popularity and success.

429 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 11:42 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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