Theatr Clwyd Showcases Initial Designs For Major Redevelopment; Public Consultation Period Announced

Theatr Clwyd today release architect Haworth Tompkins initial designs for their building's capital redevelopment with the start of an extensive public consultation. The project will see the 43-year-old theatre refurbished and repaired, creating a greener, more efficient and sustainable building for the 21st century. The redeveloped building will incorporate reimagined public spaces, as well as dedicated facilities for health & well-being and community work.

Theatr Clwyd will remain open throughout the redevelopment. A phased construction period due to commence in 2021 will enable performances to continue on site as well as in a 300-seat pop-up theatre adjacent to the main building. In addition, the programme will include site-specific productions.

The public consultation period runs from Thursday 1 August until Monday 23 September. During this time members of the public are invited to explore the plans both online at www.futuretheatrclwyd.com and in more detail at the theatre on Sunday 1 September, to engage with the project and provide feedback.

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 2 years."

Colin Everett, Chief Executive at Flintshire County Council said "The physical redevelopment of Theatr Clwyd is essential to bring the facility up to modern day standards and to enhance the visitor experience. The theatre complex will remain a central part of a redeveloped County Hall campus."

NEW DESIGNS FOR THEATR CLWYD WILL PROVIDE:

A GREENER, MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING

• To reduce costs and enable greater carbon savings, an upgraded insulated building with new heating and ventilation systems will ensure large savings on gas, electricity and water costs, and make better use of resources.
• New toilets will be flushed by rainwater and photovoltaic panels on the roof will produce heat and electricity. Numbers of toilets will be quadrupled with better access and family facilities
• The surrounding area will be landscaped to include a therapeutic sensory garden; and for children, an adventure playground.
• Newly planted trees will further improve the carbon footprint and plants on the walls and roofs will naturally insulate the building.

PURPOSE-BUILT HEALTH AND WELLBEING SPACES

Theatr Clwyd's award-winning health and wellbeing projects make a seismic difference to vulnerable people in the community. At the heart of the redevelopment will be a health & wellbeing suite with specialist changing facilities and a sensory garden.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO DISCOVER, LEARN AND EXPLORE - For the thousands of people who engage with Theatr Clwyd every year, learning new skills, building new communities and exploring their creativity, developments will include a youth hub, providing a safe, creative space for rehearsing, meeting and relaxing; and new rehearsal and teaching spaces will be found for Flintshire Music Service.

REVITALISED PUBLIC AREAS TO IMPROVE VISITOR EXPERIENCE AND ACCESS

• New public areas will be accessible to everyone. The bar and box office will be reimagined, full height glass windows will give spectacular views with access to an outdoor terrace. The gallery spaces and cinema will be refreshed, with lift access improved. New family facilities will include an indoor play area, outdoor adventure playground and buggy park.
• Inside the performance spaces new carpets and improved seating will be installed. And following earlier public feedback, there will be the option for two central aisles in the Anthony Hopkins Theatre. The balcony seats in the Emlyn Williams Theatre will be accessible and additional wheelchair positions provided in both theatres.
• A new fit-for-purpose kitchen with relocated first-floor restaurant serving meals made from the best of north Wales produce throughout the day; as well as a newly refurbished function room enabling the hosting of large-scale events.

NEW SPACES AND FACILITIES TO SUPPORT WORLD-CLASS THEATRE MAKING

• New fit for purpose stage appropriate size rehearsal rooms with higher ceilings will enable actors to rehearse with sets and sprung dance floors. Dressing rooms will be refurbished providing relaxing spaces with better access and privacy for actors.
• The stage facilities will be upgraded - the Anthony Hopkins stage will be reinforced, and the stage mechanics and flying systems in both spaces will be repaired. Also, a new workshop with public viewing facilities will be installed.
• Wardrobe will move closer to the rehearsal rooms, with fitting rooms added, providing greater access across the building.

PUBLIC OPEN DAY AT THEATR CLWYD 1 SEPTEMBER FROM 10AM TO 5PM

Presentations and tours taking place at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. These free events need to be booked in advance via the Box Office on 01352 344101 or at www.theatrclwyd.com. Community feedback events will also be held in Wrexham, Chester, Buckley, Connah's Quay and Flint. In addition, stakeholder sessions are planned for Flintshire Councillors, local businesses, community groups, volunteers and creative engagement participants.

Theatr Clwyd's Capital Redevelopment Project will aim to be funded by the Welsh Government, trusts and foundations and private philanthropy with match funding from Arts Council Wales and support from Flintshire County Council already having been committed.