Theatr Gwynedd to have new home

The new centre will take the place of the existing Theatr Gwynedd

A plan to develop a multimillion-pound performing arts centre has been unveiled at Theatr Gwynedd in Bangor.

It will replace the existing 30-year-old Theatr Gwynedd building.

It is a joint venture by the University of Wales, Bangor and the theatre, and organisers say the "exciting" project will benefit the college and community.

Theatre board chair Janet Roberts said the present building would close in 12-15 months, but the Theatr Gwynedd "brand" would continue.

"We will be homeless for around two to three years but we will be using different buildings in Gwynedd and Anglesey," she said.

The present "fantastic auditorium" was the only performing space at the theatre, she added, and a desperate shortage of space made a new building essential.

"It will be a huge challenge but very exciting," Ms Roberts added.

Ms Roberts said it would be more cost effective to build the news centre.

University deputy vice-chancellor Meri Huws said users were invited to comment on what they wanted.

It was too early in the project for there to be any details, Ms Huws added, but discussions had already taken place with the Arts Council for Wales.

"It will be a centre for the university and also the community," she said.

"Theatr Gwynedd has done amazing work in the past 30 years, but the building is old and we need a more flexible space for performances and for the community to use."