Plans in to redevelop Essex theatre

Plans to transform and safeguard an East Anglian theatre with a multimillion-pound refurbishment and extension scheme have been lodged with the local council.A planning application has been submitted for the revamp and extension of the Mercury Theatre in the town centre, a scheme which is being supported with funding from Arts Council England, Colchester Borough Council and Essex County Council.The £8.7m Mercury Rising project will involve demolishing Mercury House to make way for a new purpose-built production block housing rehearsal and community spaces at the rear of the building.The scheme will also include creating a new, larger foyer and café area, redeveloping the main auditorium with extra seats, revamping and extending the backstage facilities and creating a new main entrance.The development is said to be critical for safeguarding the future of the theatre as well as ensuring that the venue meets audience expectations.The Mercury Theatre claims to be the most active producting theatre in East Anglia, described as a “vital centre of excellence” in the region’s growing creative economy. The venue creates theatre under the Made in Colchester brand and has a turnover of about £4m.The locally listed building is surrounded by the Roman Town Wall and Balkerne Gate, the grade II-listed Colchester Arts Centre (formerly the church of St Mary-at-the-Walls) and the grade II*-listed Municipal Water Tower, which is known locally as ‘Jumbo’, along with a variety of grade II-listed and other locally listed buildings and structures nearby.Colchester Borough Council is set to make a decision by 18 September.