Work on theatre rebuild could start in the winter

The remodelled theatre will have a new foyer, bar and dining area

Work on a £21m rebuild of a town's theatre could begin in the winter, if plans submitted this week are approved.

Telford and Wrekin Council is seeking to enlarge the main auditorium at Oakengates Theatre and create a second, smaller studio theatre and a community arts room.

Its planning application also promises to modernise the backstage facilities, transform the foyer, bar and dining area and improve access for people with disabilities.

The council said the changes would reduce the carbon footprint of the theatre by 90%.

The authority has received £15.5m from the government’s Levelling Up Fund and said it received 79% support for initial plans, when they went on display in December.

Almost 75% said they believed the changes would attract more visitors to Oakengates, supporting local businesses, it said.

The councillor responsible for Telford's environment and visitor economy, Carolyn Healy, said the project would "make the borough a more exciting and vibrant place to be and boost the local economy".