Approval for £3m spending on theatre revamp

Plans to upgrade Sheffield's Crucible Theatre have progressed after South Yorkshire's combined authority approved £3m for the project.

The funding forms part of a wider £45m scheme to transform the venue and help secure the future of the World Snooker Championship in the city, where it has been held since 1977.

Under the plans, the main stage capacity will increase from 964 seats to 1,500 for the snooker tournament and other performances.

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has agreed to release the £3m to Sheffield City Council, which will be used for development work.

Architect Will Sherlaw, from Allies and Morrison, told the council in July that the auditorium changes would respect the space and the feel of the audience being close to the action.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, other changes will include a redesigned main entrance and a sweeping first-floor balcony terrace overlooking Tudor Square.

The terrace will replace the glass-fronted Adelphi Room that sits above the theatre entrance.

A new dining area will go in the foyer, outdoor seating is set to be installed and the area for staff and players backstage will be upgraded.

The council is heading up the £45m project with Sheffield Theatres, to keep the World Snooker Championships in the city for at least 15 years.

The deal was made earlier this year with World Snooker Ltd, with former Prime Minister Keir Starmer visiting Sheffield in March to secure the project.

A further £1.4m development grant will be subject to approval by the mayoral combined authority board.

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