AMBITIOUS plans to redevelop the Brindley Theatre have been submitted to the council's planning department.

The proposed scheme includes an extension to create a larger cafe-restaurant and a community space for pop-up arts events.

Under the plans, the library currently located at Granville Street will also be relocated and integrated in to The Brindley building itself. The existing glazed entrance will be demolished as part of the remodelling work.

The project is one of seven that together form the ‘Reconnecting Runcorn’ Town Investment Plan and will be allocated £6,606,231 of £23.6million awarded as part of the Government’s Town Deal announced in July last year.

A design and access statement submitted to the council’s planning department in support of the proposals, said part of the redevelopment was aimed at making it somewhere people would come before and after shows to dine.

It said the existing Brindley café had a turnover of £120k in 2018 due to it having a ‘limited offer’ with plans to double the amount of people it can serve, as well as provide bigger kitchen space.

It said: “Currently, people viewing performances cannot eat at the Brindley prior to the show and are unlikely to stay afterwards due to a lack of food and drink on offer.

“The aim is to offer a better experience with pre-show dining and option of drinks afterwards.”

Runcorn and Widnes World: Artist impression of what the new Brindley cafe could look like. Image from planning documents.Artist impression of what the new Brindley cafe could look like. Image from planning documents.

The Brindley opened in 2004 and the planned integration of the library would take some of its design cues from The Storyhouse theatre in Chester, with free wi-fi and laptop and phone charging points at tables to allow people to work and study.

The approach to the building will also be revamped to create a piazza where pop up events can be staged.

The statement added: “The Brindley Green proposal will make use of the largely redundant area at the front by transforming it to become a key public space that will link the town centre to the theatre.

“In addition to this a new precinct/piazza located directed off the proposed extension entrance will create a high quality, flexible public space which would be utilised for temporary pop-up events and performances/exhibitions, while providing access for visitors from the nearby disabled parking.”

No date has yet been set for a decision.