A WORLD renowned team of industry specialists is to lead a major redevelopment of Theatr Clwyd.

Since it opened 40 years ago, the theatre has had little investment in its structure and fabric and now requires urgent redevelopment.

The building redevelopment, which is in the early part of the design and development stage, ahead of further funding decisions, is currently supported by the Arts Council of Wales and Flintshire Council.

Liam Evans-Ford, Theatr Clwyd’s executive director, said: “We are at a critical point in Theatr Clwyd’s history.

"Our building, a vital resource for Wales, is in need of redevelopment if we are to continue the acclaimed high-quality work both with our communities, on our stages and in our galleries and cinema.

“We are delighted to have attracted a world-class team to guide us through this capital project.

"Haworth Tompkins are without doubt the foremost theatre architects of our age.

"Their imagination about what a building can be, and how it can support and facilitate the ever-changing needs of artists and the communities who populate these spaces, will enable us to create a warm and welcoming home that can underpin the core of our business – creativity and community.

"Supported by the team at Kier, who have direct and recent experience of delivering major theatre projects, and Jack Tilbury who has led iconic cultural redevelopment, with technical expertise provided by Charcoalblue, we have a team that offers us the very best chance of securing the theatre’s future for the next 40 years.”

The scheme will aim to provide essential revenue saving and operating efficiencies, improved access for the community, dedicated spaces for young people and their education, and facilities for training in transferable theatre-making skills.

It also aims to deliver purpose-built health and well-being spaces, revitalised public areas to improve visitor experience and access, fit-for-purpose catering facilities to drive revenue generation as well as new dedicated events and meeting spaces.

Theatr Clwyd’s building redevelopment has already attracted the largest ever grant - of £1.012 million - from the Arts Council of Wales for this stage of a project, with match funding of £330k from Flintshire County Council.

Kath Davies, director for arts funding services at the Arts Council of Wales, said on Monday: “The Arts Council of Wales’ recently launched Corporate Plan puts an even greater emphasis than before on diversity and equality of opportunity.

"The Arts Council is glad therefore to be able to support Theatr Clwyd, through this National Lottery derived grant, to undertake work to improve access and boost its provision to the public.”

Haworth Tompkins, winners of the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize and one of Europe’s top architectural studios with expertise in inventive theatre design, will design the building redevelopment.

Founding director Steve Tompkins, representing the Haworth Tompkins performance team, recently topped The Stage 100 for 2019, the annual list of the entertainment industry’s most influential voices.

Mr Tompkins said: “The whole design team is excited to be setting out on this important project alongside Theatr Clwyd’s brilliant leaders, a committed council and an expert builder.

"Everyone involved understands what a crucial part a theatre like this has to play the life of the community and in the wider cultural landscape, so it is both a privilege and a big responsibility for us to be part of rejuvenating the building to support Tamara and Liam’s vision for a welcoming, democratic and creatively inspiring public space.”

Kier Group plc, a leading infrastructure services, buildings, developments and housing group, has been appointed to work on the redevelopment of the theatre.

Peter Commins, managing director at Kier Construction North West, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be working with Theatr Clwyd for this exciting project.

"Our team has a proven track record in delivering top class theatre projects, with collaboration, innovation and social value being fundamental ingredients to achieving the most successful outcome for all project stakeholders.”

Theatre and acoustic design consultancy Charcoalblue will provide auditorium, seating and technical expertise for the building’s various performance and public spaces.

Emma Chapman, consultant at Charcoalblue, said: “This project is testament to the ambition of Theatr Clwyd and theatre across Wales.

"It will further reinforce Theatr Clwyd’s reputation of as an international force in storytelling."