Theatr Clwyd's 43-year-old building will be transformed by architects Haworth Tompkins through a major redevelopment project that will see the venue refurbished and repaired.
There will be improved auditoria for audiences and professionals, better facilities for families, more toilets, a therapeutic sensory garden and a children's adventure playground.
The new-look Theatr Clwyd will be a more energy efficient and sustainable building with toilets flushed by rainwater, plants on the walls and roofs for insulation, tree planting to improve the carbon footprint and photovoltaic panels producing heat and electricity.
Whilst the work takes place, the theatre—one of the few to still have in-house set builders, prop makers, scenic artists and wardrobe teams—will stay open for business thanks to a phased construction period and a 300-seat pop-up theatre
A public consultation period runs until 23 September and the public are encouraged to comment on the plans both online or at the open day on 1 September at the theatre. Other public events will be held in Wrexham, Chester, Buckley, Connah’s Quay and Flint, and there will be sessions for local businesses, community groups, volunteers and creative engagement participants.
Liam Evans Ford, executive director of Theatr Clwyd, said, “we are thrilled to be moving towards the next stage of this once-in-a-lifetime project to secure the future of Theatr Clwyd and safeguard its economic impact in north east Wales worth over £7.7m annually. We welcome feedback from everyone in our community to enable us to proceed on this exciting journey together, shaping a bright new future not only for our building, but for generations to come in Flintshire and north Wales whom we are committed to serving. The project will also ensure that north Wales continues to export world class theatre and build upon the 500,000 people who have seen a Theatr Clwyd production elsewhere in the UK over the last two years.”