Plan to double capacity of new events venue

Cumberland Council said it wants the auditorium to be “flexible” for the future

Plans to almost double the capacity of a new venue being developed in West Cumbria have been unveiled.

Cumberland Council is behind a project to turn the former Carlton Cinema in Maryport into a community arts and music venue.

Initial plans approved two years ago included a 100-seat auditorium on the ground floor, but now permission has been sought to increase the capacity to 180 seats – or 280 standing places.

The authority said this would ensure the space is “flexible” for the future.

A Cumberland Council spokesman said: “We want the Carlton to be a real cultural and creative destination in West Cumbria.

“This will be a brilliant community arts, music, and theatre venue with workshop space on the upper floors for artisans to hire.”

In order for the capacity to increase, some changes to the ventilation and acoustics would also be required.

The plans for the old Carlton Cinema are part of a wider regeneration of Maryport

The project is funded by the council and the government's Future High Street Fund as part of a £12m regeneration of Maryport.

Other plans include the opening of Christ Church as a new maritime museum and development of the high street.