Martinsville Council to Discuss Proposed Amphitheater

**Martinsville, VA** – The Martinsville City Council is set to revisited a popular project during a work session in the Gardner Boardroom of the New College Institute. The main focus of the meeting was the proposed construction of a new amphitheater, which aims to fill the void left by the Rives Theatre, a key arts venue that was lost to a fire in 2019.

The Rives Theatre had been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape since the 1920s, providing a space for various performances. The proposed amphitheater is designed to serve a similar purpose, offering a venue for music, theater, and other events.

The idea for an amphitheater has been part of Martinsville’s vision since at least 2010, initially mentioned in the Uptown Martinsville Revitalization Plan and gaining traction in the 2022 Uptown Community Vision Plan, where it was highlighted as one of the most supported initiatives among residents.

Current proposals suggest locating the amphitheater on an 8.8-acre parcel owned by the Lester Group, situated behind 212 and 242 Franklin St. Andrew Palmer, Vice President of the Lester Group, indicated that while the entire property may not be donated, a portion will be allocated for the amphitheater’s construction.