A FLINTSHIRE theatre could become a listed building due to its "special architectural interest."

In a recent letter to North Wales AM Mark Isherwood, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism Yr Arglwydd Elis-Thomas spoke of the possibility of listing Mold's Theatr Clwyd.

He wrote that Cadw has been consulting with the theatre's owners over listing as it had been assessed as having "special architectural interest as an important example of its kind."

Liam Evans-Ford, Theatr Clwyd executive director said: “We welcome the interest in the architectural and historical significance of Theatr Clwyd.

"The vision in the 1970’s was for the building to host a producing theatre and space for local communities to access creative learning.

"The work of the theatre over the last few years has built upon this with major recognition locally, nationally and internationally.

"We have been in close discussions with Welsh Government and the Arts Council of Wales in shaping a planned redevelopment of the building to ensure we protect and enhance features and characteristics as well as the facilities on offer to our visitors during such a project.

"We look forward to working with all partners to ensure the building, and the content it houses, is allowed to improve and thrive into the future."

Broughton community councillor Klaus Armstrong-Braun said he was pleased with the prospect of the theatre being listed and spoke of the efforts to make it happen.

He said: "It is definitely worthy of listing - it's been going on for years."

Mark Isherwood AM said: “ As the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM, stated in his letter response to me, Theatr Clwyd has been assessed as having special architectural interest and is also considered to be of special historic interest.

"As I also stated when raising Theatr Clwyd’s proposed redevelopment project with him in the Senedd Chamber last October, 'Theatr Clwyd is the biggest production centre or producing theatre in Wales, a major contributor to the North East Wales economy, a major employer, and seeing increasing turnover over recent years'.

"It is my understanding that Theatr Clwyd has been fully informed by the Welsh Government and CADW throughout the listing process and that they are supportive of the Theatr’s early stage proposals for its redevelopment.

"It is also my understanding that all parties are happy with forming a collaborative process and see no need for listing to pose a risk to the important work of updating and improving the building facilities for the use of future generations.

"On this basis I am happy to support proposals for Theatr Clwyd to be listed."

In his letter, seen by the Leader, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism Yr Arglwydd Elis-Thomas stated that the building has interim protection as if it was already listed and a final listing decision is expected this month.