Theatre overhaul given £4m boost

Designs for the theatre can be viewed on the council's website

A project to revamp a theatre housed in a 1920s cinema building in Canterbury has been given a cash boost of £4m.

Kent County Council (KCC) has agreed to back Canterbury City Council's £24m redevelopment plan for the Marlowe.

Last month, the plans hit a setback when Canterbury's local authority found it could not apply for large-scale capital funds from the Arts Council.

Canterbury City Council is already providing £9m and is now seeking £6m in private sponsorship and £5m in grants.

'Ambitious project'

Kent county councillor Mike Hill said £2m financial support is planned initially, with a further £2m to be offered at a later date.

He said the development would see the new theatre become a major producing house, hosting high-profile companies and workshops.

Canterbury council leader John Gilbey welcomed the move and said that without the backing "we simply would not be able to deliver such an ambitious project".

Designs for the theatre can be viewed on the council's website.