Truro's Hall For Cornwall  has today had the good news that it has been successful in the Stage One Arts Council Capital Grant application.

This came alongside the news that the Hall is also to continue as one of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisations – ensuring the venue can sustain its high-quality artistic work and grow its participation and talent development programmes.

The Capital Bid is an important first step in the Hall’s plans of a redevelopment project to reconfigure the ‘tired’ Grade II listed building.

The challenge will be to overcome its existing physical constraints to create an updated, fit-for-purpose venue offering greatly improved facilities for both audiences and artists – ensuring it can continue to be a major cultural asset for years to come.

The award recognises that Hall For Cornwall makes a significant contribution to regional economy both as a cultural hub and great place to visit – bringing in an estimated £12 million to the city economy and providing 60 full-time equivalent jobs (or 100 employees).

Annual audiences of 180,000 boost local food and drink trade too. The proposed capital investment will not only sustain this essential contribution, but provide the Hall with the best possible chance for growth.

Following today’s announcement Julien Boast, Chief Executive at Hall for Cornwall said: “This is a great result for everyone who works and comes to enjoy Hall For Cornwall’s work. We are delighted that Arts Council England has invested in our redevelopment and future growth.

"Our ambitions for the building will not only add enormous value to our programming and income potential, but enable us to create a truly vibrant cultural centre for the county and the wider South West.”

Phil Gibby, Area Director, South West, Arts Council England, said: “This award will help Hall For Cornwall further develop their exciting plans for a major refurbishment of Cornwall's principal theatre.

"By investing £344,995 through our National Lottery-funded Capital programme, we are supporting the organisation to move forward with a project that will secure their role as a leading regional theatre and a centre for Cornwall’s burgeoning cultural economy.”