Work is underway on a £2.25 million refurbishment project in Letchworth.

Building specialist Conamar will restore and extend the 1930s Broadway Cinema, creating a new £3.5m theatre as part of the same facility.

Works include refurbishing the 450-seat Screen 1 to provide theatrical spaces, including new backstage areas and technical installations.

Screens 2, 3 and 4 are also being refurbished along with an upgraded foyer and improved circulation areas, including a new bar and new concessions.

Designed by architects McFarlane Latter, the project includes a three-storey extension to the rear of the building, containing dressing rooms, a green room and a loading bay.

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A substation is also being built into the extension to cater for additional electrical load of the complex lighting and sound systems.

John Lewis, Chief Executive of Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation, said: "The new theatre is a key part of our plans to revitalise Letchworth town centre, which has also led to the attraction of two major restaurants, restoration of retail and residential properties for our tenants and the creation of town centre RHS gardens."

Neil Dower, MD of Conamar, added: "Conamar will be providing a full range of services, including an extension, restoration and full refurbishment, as well as coordinating services and subcontractors, to keep this local landmark looking its best while offering a wider range of entertainment.

"The programme of work has been carefully designed to schedule all the different elements as efficiently as possible and by working closely with our client during the planning stage, we have been able to halve the amount of time the building will need to be closed, minimising upheaval for our client and its customers while these exciting plans are underway."

(LM/JP)