Makeover planned for century-old theatre

The Neo-Byzantine style building opened as a picture house in 1920

A century-old theatre in Newark could be given a makeover under a new council proposal.

The Palace Theatre in Appleton Gate first opened as a picture house in 1920 and today hosts a number of music, comedy and drama shows.

Newark and Sherwood District Council, which owns and runs the theatre has put forward a plan to refurbish the Grade II listed building.

The plan, and listed building consent, have been recommended for approval at a council planning committee meeting on 7 August.

The council wants to install new LED lighting on the stairs in the auditorium, replace the flooring and repaint the walls at the back of the stage, and upgrade the doors and the external façade on the Neo-Byzantine style building.

Under the plan, the security of a number of doors will also be bolstered to better protect valuable artefacts at the National Civil War Centre, which is accessible via the theatre building.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said according to the authority's plan, the LED lights would provide a "public safety benefit".

It also proposed repair work and minor redecoration to the exterior of the venue to match its existing look.

The council has been contacted about the expected cost of the work.