'Jewel in the crown' theatre in line for £8m upgrade

Plans for an £8m refurbishment of a theatre in Hinckley have been approved.

Proposals to transform the town's Concordia Theatre include a new front entrance and box office area, a redesigned auditorium seating layout and the removal of a ceiling above the seating to expose original roof timbers.

Planning committee chairwoman Joyce Crooks described the theatre as the "jewel in the crown" of the town, after Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council's planning committee unanimously backed the scheme on Tuesday.

The scheme forms part of the venue's Project 2030 programme, which aims to modernise the theatre and secure its future, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

Speaking at the meeting, Andy Chamberlain - trustee of the Hinckley Concordia Association - said the plans were an "exciting" step forward.

He said the facility, located at Stockwell Head, had been a "beacon of creativity" for almost 55 years.

The theatre has already raised £800,000 towards the scheme, although much of the work will depend on securing further funding and grants.

Chamberlain said: "We need to modernise and improve our facilities.

"This isn't just about bricks and mortar. It's about safeguarding our Concordia Theatre so that future generations can continue to enjoy live arts here on our doorstep."

Keith Williams, agent and director of design at Keith William Architects, told the meeting that it was "critical" that the theatre modernises, and the refurbishment would "significantly enhance" the comfort and experience for guests.

Local councillors also shared their support for the plans.

Councillor Scott Gibbens said the improvements would help address accessibility concerns, adding that some visitors struggled with the theatre's steps.

Councillor David Cope also told the meeting that he had first come across the building at the age of five.

He said: "It is a jewel, isn't it? It's fantastic. We've enjoyed it many, many times and hope to see this new one."

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