THE world’s largest theatre consultant will deliver a report at the end of the month examining the option of reopening Chester’s Gateway Theatre.

Theatre Projects Consultants (TPC) has been asked to look at the feasibility and costs of reopening the theatre, where the main auditorium is closed but amateur group Tip Top Productions continues to use the basement studio theatre.

The group will also look at the alternative option of setting up a temporary venue, either indoors or outdoors, or converting an existing building.

TPC says: “Theatres, concert halls and arts centres are among the most complex of all building types. More than 50 years experience around the world allows TPC to offer a uniquely wide-ranging and comprehensive service to help any client or architect through the process.”

The Gateway closed in March 2007 because Chester was supposed to get a state- of-the-art performing arts venue as part of the Northgate Development in its place, but this is on hold because of the credit crunch.

There is growing scepticism over whether the venue – which is, according to planning chiefs, already at “medium risk” of failing – will ever materialise.