Green light for major revamp of Sutton-in-Ashfield school theatre

The theatre is to be renamed Cornerstone when the renovation is complete

Plans for a major revamp of a school theatre in a Nottinghamshire town have been given the go-ahead.

Ashfield District Council said it wanted to transform the Sutton Community Academy Theatre, in Sutton-in-Ashfield, into a venue fit to stage professional performances.

The authority's planning committee approved the renovation when it met on Wednesday.

Work on the scheme is now expected to begin in the summer.

The council said the proposals, paid for using part of a £6.27m government Future High Streets Fund grant, would see the existing auditorium entirely refurbished.

'Magic of cinema'

A new retractable seating system will be installed along with improved lighting, the council said.

The venue, which will be renamed Cornerstone Theatre, will also get new dressing rooms, a green room and refurbished toilets.

It is hoped work on the the new-look theatre will finish in early 2025.

It will then open to the public and will host events including cinema showings and comedy nights.

Councillor Matthew Relf, the council's regeneration lead, said: "We are so proud to be investing in arts and culture, to allow more people of all backgrounds, young and old, to experience the magic of cinema, live theatre and music in an easy-to-access place."