Theatre's £25.5m revamp approved

The £25.5m redevelopment of a theatre in Canterbury has been granted planning permission by the city council.

The development control committee approved the plans for a 1,200-seat auditorium at the Marlowe Theatre and a second 150-seat performance space.

Landscaping of the complex, on the site of the old theatre and The Friars Motor Company next door, was also approved.

Actor Orlando Bloom, who appeared at the theatre early on in his career, is a patron of the theatre.

Others include fellow actor Joanna Lumley and musician and TV presenter Jools Holland.

The majority of the funding is coming from Canterbury City Council, Kent County Council, and the South East England Development Agency.

But it is hoped £6m will be raised from private donates over the next three years.

After receiving permission on Tuesday night, the Marlowe is scheduled to close early next year and to reopen in early 2011.

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Canterbury City Council
Marlowe Theatre
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