AMBITIOUS plans to transform the town's Norbury Theatre have been revealed.

Chairman of the Friar Street venue, Alan Humphries, has spoken of his determination to make the quarter-of-a-million pound proposal a reality.

A three year plan has now been set out for the major work after the future of the theatre, which has been running for more than 40 years, was recently secured.

Architects have visited the site and drawn up plans to revamp both the front of the building and the foyer area.

The potential plans, which would cost around £250,000, would see the entrance made more prominent and the foyer modernised and developed to offer more for visitors.

Efforts to fund the project are now in the process of being formulated.

Mr Humphries said: "Architects have been in and have prepared plans. The stage we are at is to identify funding for the alterations we want to make. We will be applying for a number of grants to make it happen.

"We want a trip to the theatre to last, be enjoyed and for people to take in the whole experience. We are also looking at offering rooms to hire for meetings and conferences. The three year plan has been put in place so that the theatre can still be used during any development."

As well as the structural changes focus will also be put on future ticket sales and promotions.

The much-needed transformation is in the pipeline after a group of volunteers moved in to secure the venue's lease, which was set to run out in three years time.

The group of four helpers formed a company to provide the vital £120,000 needed. The company, called Friar Street Arts, now sub-lets the lease to the Norbury.