Historic former theatre could be turned into flats

The former Royal Electric Theatre in Mexborough could be converted into flats

A historic former theatre could be converted into flats under new plans.

An application was submitted to City of Doncaster Council to transform the former Royal Electric Theatre on Bank Street in Mexborough into 10 apartments.

The two-storey building, which is not listed but does lie within a Conservation Area, was built in the mid-19th Century as a police station before becoming a theatre in the early 20th Century.

It has since been home to businesses including a cinema and casino, and most recently operated as a Chinese restaurant before becoming vacant in January.

Plans submitted by One Planning Ltd would see the site converted into three one-bedroom flats and seven two-bedroom apartments with an area of communal open space at the back of the building.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, minor alterations to the building would take place, such as the installation of new doors and windows and reconfiguration of its frontage.

A planning statement said the proposal "seeks to preserve the historic detail of the building".

A cartouche - or traditional frieze - above the main door would also be repaired and decorated.

The cartouche, pictured here in 2009, would be restored and retained under the plans

The cartouche was described as "the most striking feature of the building" in a Mexborough Conservation Area Appraisal paper produced by the local authority in 2012.

According to the document, the Cinema Theatre Association believed the "fine example of Edwardian baroque design" to be a "rarity nationally".

The design statement said the proposals would "seek to preserve and enhance the historic environment of the Mexborough Conservation Area and would not be detrimental to its character".

The building would remain without parking under the plans, with residents expected to use public transport or cycle due to its town centre location.

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