The theatre in Bangor is set to close in October with a new performing arts centre, which will be a joint venture with Bangor University, to open in its place.

It is expected that it may take up to five years for the project to be completed.

John Hamilton, regional officer of the Unite union, said: "This is a devastating blow for the workers, many of whom are Unite members, who are feeling extreme frustration and uncertainty about their future."

He said that Unite wants an extension on the closing date to ensure the theatre will remain open whilst talks to secure jobs are ongoing.
Performances are expected be held in various venues in Gwynedd and Anglesey during the reconstruction work, but there are fears that the theatre company will find it hard to survive without its permanent base.

Alun Ffred Jones, Caernarfon AM, said: "I am very worried about the future of Theatr Gwynedd which has made a magnificent contribution to drama in Wales from the days of the original Cwmni Theatre Cymru 30 years ago to the present day. The theatre serves a large area including Anglesey and the blow of losing such an asset would be felt far beyond Bangor. We must turn every stone to ensure that this does not happen."

A spokeswoman for Bangor University said: "Plans for a new Arts Centre at Bangor were announced in May last year with the support of the Board of Theatre Gwynedd, the Arts Council, Gwynedd Council, Anglesey Council and Bangor University. The 'tender' for the feasibility study for the new Centre closed last week and details of the successful company will be announced in the next few weeks."

The new building will be constructed on the Theatr Gwynedd site and is set to include theatre space, performance workshops and other areas for use by professional performance artists, the local community and the University.

Mr Hamilton said: "The closure of this theatre will also be a huge blow for the local community as it forms a crucial part of Bangor's cultural life and serves many local community groups including many schools, dance and drama groups."