MORE improvements to the 108-year-old Harrogate Theatre have been approved by planners.
The theatre successfully applied to Harrogate Borough Council for improvements to the box office counter and alterations to the circle bar including relocation of the bar and new light fittings.
Harrogate Theatre in Oxford Street was previously al
tered and restored in 1972.
A report from the theatre management to members of the borough council planning committee said alterations to the box office would provide reasonable provision under the Disability Discrimination Act.
Lay-out of the Circle Bar involves removal of fitted seats and changes to windows. Two brass rails will be fixed in the reveal of each window to provide a physical barrier. Laminated glass and rails are needed to comply with building regulations. Once fitted seating in the bar is removed the cill height of the windows will be too low to leave the lower sash unguarded.
Alterations to the ceiling will be carried out and the servery area removed with a shorter bar area planned. The theatre say the alterations are proposed to allow extra space within the bar area.
Meanwhile light shades in the circle bar will match the main auditorium and stairway light shades.
A council planning spokesman said the changes would not have an adverse impact on the character or appearance of the listed bulding.
Councillors unanimously approved the project which must now be referred to the Secretary of State for Communities Hazel Blears for final approval.
Earlier, the theatre underwent a major refurbishment of the auditorium with new seating and lighting.
The full article contains 267 words and appears in Harrogate Advertiser newspaper.
