Major theatre revamp approved despite concerns

A theatre is to be refurbished and the size of its bar area doubled despite neighbours raising concerns it could cause "disruptive noise" in the area.

Norwich City councillors approved the changes to the Norwich Theatre Playhouse in St George's Street.

The 300-seat fringe venue opened in 1995 and has had actors including Sir Ian McKellen and Timothy West perform on its stage.

Councillors approved the scheme at a meeting on Thursday, but there was concern that a piece of art known as the Ceilingopolis - a cityscape made out of cardboard attached to the ceiling - could be lost in the redevelopment.

The refurbishment project will extend the playhouse's existing bar area by turning it into a two-storey building and the theatre, front and back of house areas will also be refurbished.

Ahead of the decision on Thursday, planning agents for Norwich Theatre said the plans represented an "evolution of a much-loved cultural venue".

Stephen Wright, the theatre's commercial director and chief operations officer, previously told the BBC the theatre had become "tired" and was in need of some "TLC".

Neighbours living in Dukes Palace Wharf wrote to the council to complain once the plans emerged. One objector said noise levels were currently modest but said future disturbance was "our greatest anxiety".

The Broads Authority also said it was concerned about plans to have digital signage on the front of the building.

Matters such as noise and digital signage would be further decided through the licensing process, the council said.

Councillors ultimately were supportive of the scheme and voted to approve it, but some raised concerns.

Tammy Searle, a Green Party councillor, said they were "very excited" about the project but questioned what would happen to the ceiling artwork. Planning officers said they were unable to answer.

But another councillor noted previous refurbishment work did not result in the loss of the artwork Ceilingopolis.

Construction could start in 2028 but the theatre hopes to stage shows while work takes place.

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