The new Tom Patterson Theatre in Stratford is one step closer to becoming a reality.
At their meeting Monday night, Stratford City Council gave the green light for an amendment to both the city’s zoning by-law and official plan which paves the way for the full development of the site on Water Street.
Back in February, Stratford City Council voted to sell the property to the Stratford Festival for $4.9 million and once it’s constructed it will house a state-of-the-art Tom Patterson Theatre, the festival’s forum and laboratory and digital media and education activities.
Stratford City Planner Jeff Bannon says the theatre will be a huge part of the city in the future.
“It’s top-end architecture, they’ve tried to assimilate it into the rest of the neighborhood and they are trying to get a product there that’s going to be welcomed by residents and tourists who are coming to the city so it’s going to be quite the benefit to the city.”
There is now a 20 day appeal period where anyone who has concerns about the planning and by-law changes can voice their concerns.
The Stratford Festival will next have to get approval from city planners before they can build the sites 166 parking spot lot.
