£160,000 refurb of The Place in Telford underway
A £160,000 refurbishment of a theatre and its library is now under way.
The Place in Telford, home to Oakengates Theatre and Library, will be modernised with improvements to its facilities and services.
The main changes will be to the front of house where the reception area and office space is being remodelled, while Café Go will be extended for pre-show dining and refreshments.
Improvements will also be made to the library and art facilities to mirror the borough's main library at Soutwater One, along with a wider selection of books and extra space.
The art room at the rear of the library will be increased in size to host more creative and cultural activities.
Carpets in the theatre's bar and lounge area will also be replaced.
Russell Griffin, spokesman for Telford & Wrekin Council, said the £160,000 had been borrowed under the Invest To Save scheme.
"The investment in the facility will increase income and the loan will be repaid through the additional income generated by these changes," he said.
"The Place will therefore have improved facilities that will result in an enhanced experience for residents and visitors.
"This work further complements the £3.6m regeneration works that has already taken place in the centre of Oakengates."
The refurbishment, which will also make it easier for visitors to connect to Wifi, is expected to be finished by the end of July.
Shows will run as normal but customers are asked to book tickets online or by calling the box office on (01952) 382382.
A temporary box office has also been set up at the rear of the theatre, which can be accessed from the side door, normally used for office suites.
The library will be closed but residents will be able to visit any other Telford & Wrekin library to borrow and return books, and to use the computers.
Councillor Liz Clare, cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: "The programming at Oakengates Theatre is going from strength to strength as we continue to attract more star acts year on year.
"As more people choose to visit Oakengates Theatre we are delighted to be able to offer them the opportunity to join us for a pre-show dinner.
"We hope it will encourage more people to come along and make the most of their theatre experience."
