FLINTSHIRE'S much-loved theatre has shared an exciting update regarding the current renovation plans.

Theatr Clwyd based in Mold is undergoing a major transformation by architects at Haworth Tompkins, and is expected to complete in early 2025.

Andrew Roberts, finance, operations and people director at Theatr Clwyd has shared an update and images regarding the renovation progress so far.

The Leader: Photo from Theatr Clwyd stage looking out into the auditorium Photo from Theatr Clwyd stage looking out into the auditorium (Image: Mark Carline)

He said: "Working with Haworth Tompkins has been eye-opening, they really understand how important this building is to so many people and the vision for its future."

He said the front of the old building has now moved 30ft forwards, he described the striking wood extension and glulam beams as 'impressive' and said the beautiful material has brought the theatre back to life again.

Andrew added: "Walking into the foyer I’m blown away by the openness of this space.

The Leader:

"We now have a brand-new staircase. Before now I’ve only seen this in images, a couple of weeks ago it was a line on the floor but now it’s here."

The entrance will feature a welcome desk and shop with fresh supplies to take away. There will be a health and wellbeing suite, dedicated spaces and facilities for their award-winning arts and health programmes.

A garden and family area will also reinforce the theatre's connection with nature. 

The Leader: The first floor bar where the new restaurant will liveThe first floor bar where the new restaurant will live (Image: Mark Carline)

A new lift shaft has been installed to upgrade the previous one which once caused several problems during a sold-out show when it broke down. 

The bar area is also much brighter and more spacious than it was previously with the addition of new windows to create a relaxed atmosphere where guests can enjoy a beverage before the show.

Andrew adds: "The restaurant will be for everyone, grabbing a bite before a show, film, or workshop and a destination restaurant that people come to.

The Leader: The ground floor where audiences will enter the buildingThe ground floor where audiences will enter the building (Image: Mark Carline)

"It’s also another area for recruitment which is brilliant. Between now and when we open, we expect there to be over 40 new jobs across the company with all areas growing.

"Theatr Clwyd has a huge positive economic impact for Flintshire and North Wales as a major employer but also tourist attraction and educational partner."

As for the main theatre, it is finally starting to be reconstructed after a long gutting process. Sample seats for ultimate comfort are being selected and the new flooring has been chosen.

The Leader: The new double height bar space on the first floor and the architect images of what the restaurant will eventually look likeThe new double height bar space on the first floor and the architect images of what the restaurant will eventually look like (Image: Mark Carline and Haworth Tompkins)

The cinema is currently unrecognisable with everything stripped out. It’s one of the most asked questions the theatre gets explains Andrew - “will there be a cinema” and of course the answer is 'yes'.

Carolyn Thomas MS recently visit the site and said: "The community have been very supportive, volunteering, sponsoring seats, donating and attending shows which have amazingly, and with a lot of planning and hard work, continued throughout.”

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The renovation project has been a huge undertaking with a Big Top Tent being the temporary stage in the meantime. 

People Director Andrew added: "Every single person that worked on the Big Top has been phenomenal, I’m so proud of what the teams achieved. The weather was such a challenge – the worst wind we have experienced in a very long time!"

The new building is set to reopen fully in early 2025.