A state-of-the-art new theatre for Cornwall is on track to reopen next spring thanks to a £1.5 million boost.

The Government has announced that Truro's Hall For Cornwall is among the projects being supported by the 'Getting Building Fund' aimed at accelerating projects that should help local areas recover from the impact of Covid-19.

The theatre's ambitious transformation, which will see the auditorium increase to 1,354 seats, enabling it to attract top West End productions, is one of seven Cornish projects to be awarded funding from the £900 million Government fund following a successful bid from Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership.

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Welcoming today’s announcement, the MP for Truro and Falmouth Cherilyn Mackrory said the funding was very good news for the Hall For Cornwall, for the city of Truro and for the whole of Cornwall.

“We know that this is a very challenging time for the arts and culture sector right across the country," she said.

“I was pleased to be able to work with Ministers to ensure that Hall For Cornwall will benefit from some of the additional support the Government is providing.

“As well as providing a fantastic venue for performing arts, the theatre has a key role to play in regenerating the wider economy of Truro."

Thanking the MP for her support, HFC’s chief executive and creative director Julien Boast said the additional funding would help speed up construction following some delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and ensure that the building is ready to re-open next spring.

He said: "With 1,300 seats within a new three-tiered auditorium, new bars and cafés and a creative and digital area with work and social spaces, our new theatre will help stimulate activity in the heart of the city.

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“Although work on our redevelopment had been moving forward with great strides since we closed the doors of our building in June 2018, like other major construction projects across the country Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the timetable of our scheme.

“We had already been working closely with partners on a package of measures to overcome the challenges created by the pandemic. This additional funding will accelerate this work and help boost the economy of Truro and Cornwall by ensuring that we can met our target of re-opening our doors to the public next spring."

As well as the larger auditorium, new performance spaces and cafes and bars, the transformed building will include an area for creative businesses to work together and grow, and new creative spaces for young people.

Together the project is forecast to add £35.6 million to the local economy and create 165 jobs.

Truro BID has also welcomed news of the funding, saying: "This news is a real boost to the local economy of Truro.

"The re-opening of our much-loved Hall For Cornwall will play a pivotal role in revitalising our city centre, bringing more people into the city who will be planning shopping, eating and drinking experiences, alongside a much-needed theatre visit."