Theatre repairs to cost council more than £288,000

The council said the costs would be funded through corporate borrowing

Urgent repairs to fix a leaking roof at a theatre in Plymouth are set to cost the council £288,975.

Plymouth City Council said the Theatre Royal needed work to stop water getting through the fly tower and smoke vent roofs.

The council, which is the landlord to the building, said the costs would be funded through corporate borrowing.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, cabinet member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities, said the theatre was "a cultural powerhouse" that needed to be kept in good condition.

He said: "As landlord for this important and listed building, we accept that from time to time we need to invest in it to make sure it is fit for purpose for years to come.

"This building and its staff play a key role in our night time economy, in educating and inspiring all ages and in the city’s reputation regionally and nationally."

Additional repairs will include new felting and drainage improvements across an expected 12 weeks of work.