Plans have been submitted for an upgraded Telford Theatre design, paving the way for construction works to start this autumn.

Demolition of the former Oakengates nursery and auditorium opened up areas of the site that were previously inaccessible, allowing further detailed investigations which have supported the new building design and will make it even better.

Plans now include a new-look entrance foyer and box office, larger community and rehearsal spaces, bigger bar areas and additional toilet facilities.

This multi-million pound project will now see the full demolition and replacement of the theatre which was originally built in the 1960s and was suffering from significant structural defects as well as reaching the end of its building life.

As part of the revised plans, the Council has agreed with National Grid Electricity Distribution to relocate the substation, currently situated at the theatre, which will allow the next stage of works to take place.

A contractor has also been appointed to carry out the building works once the new plans are given the go ahead. The theatre rebuild will create 12 full-time jobs, as well as many more part-time roles, and is expected to attract roughly 100,000 visitors across 300 shows annually during its anticipated 60-year life span.

New facilities which the Telford Theatre project will deliver include a 766 seat main auditorium, a separate studio theatre which can support community groups and smaller acts, a new community art room, as well as a newly transformed foyer, theatre dining area, new bar areas with upgraded amenities and modernised backstage facilities.

In the area surrounding the theatre, known as Theatre Quarter, temporary surfacing works to the public realm area have been completed to support new residents and retailers moving into refurbished shop units and to create a ‘theatre square’ events space.

Delivery of the permanent, public realm surface works will be in line with the theatre programme of works to allow all the required ground and drainage works to be completed.

Telford Theatre on Tour is planning a series of events and cinema screenings in this space which will be advertised on the Telford Theatre website.

On August 8 and 15, events funded by the Council’s Pride in Our High Street programme and supported by Oakengates Town Council, will be held in theatre square designed to drive more footfall into the town centre.

Businesses in Oakengates remain open as usual throughout the regeneration programme so people are encouraged to shop locally and support retailers in the town, and the Council remains committed to providing help and support to businesses impacted by the redevelopment.

You can find out more about the Telford Theatre project here.