Written By Olena Riznyk
STRATHROY – A long-anticipated transformation of a former downtown bar into a community arts hub took a step forward on March 26, as The Wright Place launched a $6 million renovation and fundraising campaign.
The project will convert the former Rumours Bar and Grill into a multi-purpose arts and entertainment venue serving Strathroy-Caradoc and the surrounding region.
Despite a rainy evening, residents gathered inside the existing space to view design plans and hear details about the next phase of development.
Board President Keith Blackwell said the launch follows more than two years of planning and preparation. “We’ve been working very hard towards the development of this facility over the past two years,” he said. “Tonight, we’re here to show what the space is going to look like in the not-too-distant future.”
Plans for the renovated facility include a 220-seat theatre, gallery and exhibition areas, multi-purpose rooms, and improved public gathering spaces, along with a design that better connects the building to the downtown streetscape.
The event also offered a glimpse of what the future space could become, with local artists already featured on-site, including musician Lucas Julian and abstract artist Cheri Loeb.
The foundation behind the project was established in 2012 by Dr. Mary Wright, originally focused on supporting local artists through grants and bursaries before expanding into a long-term plan to develop a permanent venue.
Treasurer Frank Kennes said the total cost of the renovation is estimated at approximately $6 million. The foundation currently has just over $3 million in assets and is now working to raise the remaining funds through its “Build It Wright” capital campaign.
Mayor Colin Grantham called the project a significant investment in the town’s future. “To have something like this in our downtown (…) you begin to attract people and make Strathroy a destination,” he said.
Organizers say the goal is to create a flexible space for theatre, music, and visual arts, while also giving residents access to experiences not typically available locally.
Speaking in an interview after the presentation, Blackwell added that the project is also driven by a long-standing gap in the community. “What we don’t have is entertainment. We don’t have arts and culture,” he said.
The renovation will be completed in phases, beginning with structural upgrades such as roofing and core systems, before moving into construction of the theatre and public areas.
Construction will move forward in stages as the foundation continues efforts to secure the remaining funding needed to complete the project.
