Image: Plans include a community space in the basement

Detailed plans drawn up by London-based Andrzej Blonski Architects for the £7m redevelopment of the Theatre Royal in Plymouth have been revealed.

The redevelopment will see the re-cladding of the building which will improve energy efficiency by up to 40 per cent; an extension to the front of the building allowing level access; and a new box office, shop and café area.

There will also be an outdoor terrace area and an extended restaurant, and a new studio space within the theatre basement which will provide a city centre location for work with young people and community groups.

According to chief executive Adrian Vinken, the project is now resting on the theatre's ability to find the funding for the works.

Vinken said: "Our aim is to modernise and make major improvements to the Theatre Royal to ensure it remains Plymouth's cultural centre of excellence for the next 50 years.

"Our ability to realise this vision will depend on whether we are able to raise the necessary scale of funding."

The theatre has already begun its fundraising process and a public appeal will be launched next month. A planning application has already been submitted to the local authority.

For more information on the development, click here.