The £13.5m investment would enable the centre to include:
· Three bespoke cinema screens allowing screenings of newly released films
· More seats in the main auditorium and a new 150-seat studio
· Uncovering the 12th century motte at the back of the theatre which people can reach directly from The Wash, creating an exciting link between the theatre, Castle Gardens and the castle
· An improved riverside café-bar for both theatre visitors and people enjoying the park
· Improved access to all areas of the building so that artists can better reach the stage, backstage and the dressing rooms.
Entertained and challenged
Eric Buckmaster, executive member for health and wellbeing, said: "In the last eight years, Hertford Theatre has proved itself to be central to Hertford life. It's a place where those who live in and around the town go, sometimes to be entertained and sometimes to be challenged.
"We have a rare opportunity to facilitate a step-change, to radically improve a significant asset in the town while at the same time releasing a hidden part of Hertford's history and unlocking a compelling, cultural and heritage offer that will resonate far into the future.
"The commitment that councillors made has started us on the road towards an arts centre that will transform the cultural life of Hertford in a way that will benefit everyone who lives in or visits the town.
July 31, 2018
