A major £30 million redevelopment of Mold’s ageing Theatr Clwyd has moved a step closer.

Members of Flintshire Council’s cabinet have agreed to move to the next stage of a feasibility study on the plans before a decision will be made early next year.

The funding package for the scheme was estimated as requiring £22 million from Welsh Government, £5 million from the Arts Council of Wales and £3 million locally with £1 million identified as being from the council.

The Arts Council of Wales has allocated funding for the detailed design and development work as well as a further £5 million for the full capital project.

The council has allocated match funding to carry out the detailed design and development work, that is conditional upon reassurance from Welsh Government about their funding contributions.

Colin Everett, the council’s chief executive said: “The position with the theatre is we’ve gone from a well established theatre to a flourishing one that is really modernised and has changed its whole way of working to be more cost effective. It has improved what has always been a very good artistic offer.

“The costs of the refurbishment are significant but we have to remind ourselves that if we’re talking about the capital project of £30 million, close to half of that would be required just to make the building future proof. The situation is becoming urgent because of the age of the building.”

Liam Evans-Ford, executive director at the theatre, said: “It’s the biggest allocation the Arts Council of Wales has ever given in its history. It shows the level of importance they’re giving this as an arts and cultural hub.

“It hasn’t had any major investment for its 42 years. It will be nearing the end of its life.

“The main driver and the business plan for the theatre is to open itself up more to the community.”