Wexford's famous Theatre Royal is to receive a €20 million revamp under plans unveiled yesterday.
Planning permission has been sought by Wexford Festival Opera for the major redevelopment of facilities at the Theatre Royal, including a state-of-the-art 750-seater auditorium.
Located on High Street in the heart of Wexford, the Theatre Royal is the home of the famous opera festival which draws thousands of visitors to the town each October.
The new development will include the building of a distinctive auditorium on the original High Street site incorporating 750 seats, a motorised orchestra pit, large arched stage and comprehensive backstage areas.
It is also planned to provide elaborate dressing and preparation areas for performers.
The provision of first-class public facilities is also an essential part of the design plans, including bars, foyers and a cafe with views of Wexford town and quayside.
In addition, a second venue is planned with seating for 180 people. This venue will double as a rehearsal area. Key to the plans is retaining the special atmosphere of Wexford festival, its town centre location and prime position on Wexford's High Street.
"The festival was keen to retain the intimacy and sense of surprise which awaits everyone attending both the festival and events at the Theatre Royal throughout the year.
"This development represents an important milestone in the plans to provide a major facility appropriate to the needs of Wexford Festival Opera," said chairman Mr Paul Hennessy.
Festival chief executive Mr Jerome Hynes said the plans underpinned the future of the event by providing Wexford with an exceptional, year-round performing arts complex.
"This will be a superb home for a festival of the international standing of Wexford, and a year round venue, offering Wexford itself a landmark building which will further strengthen the links between Wexford and its festival."