A funding package to help Plymouth’s Theatre Royal regeneration plans is helping to write a new scene in the life of the city’s economy.

Plymouth's Cabinet has approved a £1,995,000 funding package that will not only help the theatre, but will set the stage for a revival of the West End of the city.

The theatre's substantial refurbishment project includes a new auditorium, better access, as well as a makeover of the public areas outside the building.

Not only will the project create 30 construction jobs, create new permanent jobs and secure existing jobs in the theatre, but it will lead to more being created, enabling the theatre to build its reputation further and keep visitors coming for years to come.

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The theatre has applied for £5 million Arts Council funding, but it is conditional on Plymouth City Council committing to three years funding and the theatre raising another £2 million.

Now their ambition has moved a step closer to becoming a reality after the Cabinet approved the proposal to put in a lump sum for procured capital work instead of three years of revenue grant. A restructure of the lease arrangement on the council-owned theatre building to meet Arts Council security requirements has also been approved.

Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Mark Lowry said: "The importance of the Theatre Royal to Plymouth cannot be underestimated. Bums on seats at the Theatre Royal means an extra £26 million pounds in to cash tills in shops, hotel and cafés across the city.

"As a city whose economic strategy includes the creative sector, it is a hot house of talent, their work inspires all ages and they play a crucial role in bringing out and nurturing talent and confidence of many people in our community.

"This project has wider implications – the more successful the theatre is, the more jobs are created off the back of it."

(CD/GK)