Venue renovation's £20m price tag

Renovation with help reduce running costs, officials said

Plans for Derby's Assembly Rooms could cost up to £20m officials have said.

The venue, which can hold up to 3,200 people in its Great Hall, dates from the 1970s and managers said the concrete facade looked tired.

Renovations will see the frontage re-clad and the seating rearranged to allow for big touring productions which previously had to go elsewhere.

But the full scheme is dependent on securing funding and smaller-scale work must be undertaken first.

Councillor Joe Naitta, who is responsible for culture in Derby, said: "A £20m project is a lot of money to be spent on the building - what we have to say first of all is this money has to be found.

"But initially we are looking at small scale refurbishments in order to have live theatre."

He added the renovated venue would enhance the area and reduce running costs.

The Assembly Rooms will co-host the upcoming Derby LIVE arts festival which also includes the currently closed Derby Playhouse.