Theatre seating to be replaced in £277,000 upgrade

The theatre's circle seating will be replaced in September and its stalls will be upgraded in the summer next year

A theatre has plans to replace its seating as part of a refurbishment which will cost £277,000.

Works at The Alban Arena in St Albans, Hertfordshire, will be partly funded by venue managers Everyone Active and St Albans City and District Council.

The theatre's circle seating will be replaced in September and its stalls will be upgraded in the summer next year, new LED aisle lighting and flat floors for wheelchair users will also be installed at the same time.

Once works have been completed the theatre's total seating capacity will increase from 850 to 902.

Many of the existing seats will be recycled, as part of the theatre's sustainability plans.

Circle seating will be the first to be replaced in September

The Alban Arena opened in 1968 and hosts more than 250 shows each year, including music theatre and comedy.

Helen Campbell, a Liberal Democrat councillor on St Albans City and District Council, said: "Much of the seating was installed when the arena was opened more than 50 years ago. It has lasted well, but was in need of an upgrade.

"Despite the pressure on our budget in this difficult financial climate, we have agreed to fund half of the project.

A further £50,000 will be invested by Everyone Active to improve audience toilets and upgrade the guest green room.