Theatre redevelopment plans submitted

The redevelopment of Hertford Theatre has moved a step closer with the submission of a planning application to East Herts District Council.

The plans would see a partial demolition of the theatre followed by refurbishment and redevelopment to include:

• Three purpose built cinema screens with a capacity of 200 each
• Refurbished 500-seat theatre auditorium
• Reconfigured and enhanced back-of-house facilities
• Improved accessibility
• New flexible black box studio space with a capacity of 150 seats
• New cafe and bar areas
• Improved landscaping

The plans also include a new boardwalk circling the western side of the former Hertford Castle motte. The boardwalk is intended to link the theatre riverside to the castle grounds.

A public exhibition and consultation on the proposals was held earlier in the year. This followed a previous consultation in 2019.

The theatre currently runs at a loss and the redevelopment is expected to improve its viability.

The redevelopment of the Hertford Theatre has the potential to deliver a number of social, economic and heritage benefits for Hertford Town Centre. It will deliver improved entertainment, cultural and community facilities ... and seeks to reduce expenditure leakage to surrounding towns. The proposed development seeks to support the local economy and should lead to the creation of linked trips to the town's retail, F&B and night-time economies, thus successfully supporting the growth, management and adaptation of the town centre

Planning Statement, Montagu Evans

The plans do not include any parking for visitors. At present there are a small number of spaces for staff, performers and crew but these will be removed.

Hertford Theatre was opened as Castle Hall in 1977 and stands on the site of the former Town Mill and Castle Cinema. It currently features an auditorium of 408 seats, a dance studio, River Room, cafe/bar and gallery space.

A decision on the planning application is expected by Spring 2021.