MULTI-million pound plans to renovate a Hampshire theatre moved a step closer this week.

The Mayflower Theatre, in Commercial Road, Southampton, saw its third successful application to change the auditorium as plans were accepted by Southampton City Council.

The latest application will see the theatre's eastern side extended to provide new accessible toilet facilities at ground floor level.

The submission follows two other successful applications to alter the size of the orchestra pit and a further extension to include a new green room.

It is part of a £3.9m push to carry out the major works on the theatre, which has been at the heart of the city's nightlife since 1928.

Michael Ockwell, Mayflower Theatre chief executive, said: “Our wonderful theatre comes to life when our audience are sat in the auditorium, and now it is in need of a major refurbishment programme to secure its future.

“We want to make it more comfortable for future generations. It will bring audiences closer to the stage, which will make it a better experience for the performer and for the audience.

“I’m a realist and asking people to donate money to the theatre when our hospitals need money is a big ask, but I’m hoping people who use the theatre and feel a part of it would like a seat plaque as something tangible.”

The theatre secured £2.54m towards the cost of the project - which is being carried out to mark its 90th anniversary next year - and appealed to the public to raise the remaining funds.

Developers hope work will start in 2018 in what is the theatre first major refurbishment since 1986.

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