MORE than 250 people attended an event to find out about future plans for Guiseley Theatre.

The ambitious redevelopment plans, which will cost more than £2m, have won widespread support with many offers of help from members of the public.

Among those attending the open day on Saturday were Guiseley and Rawdon councillor Graham Latty, Pudsey MP Stuart Andrew and Jamie Hanley, the Labour candidate who will oppose him in the election.

Theatre chairman Chris Ingram described the response to the Open Day as “tremendous”.

He said visitors were impressed with the long-term plans to build an extension to the rear of the Theatre complete with full disabled access and lift facilities to the first-floor auditorium level with new audience facilities – a full theatre bar and cafe as well as modern toilets and a fully refurbished auditorium.

It is planned that the new extension will include more community meeting rooms at ground-floor level.

The theatre needs either a new long-term lease to enable it to apply for funding from bodies such as the Heritage Lottery Fund or it needs to be transferred from the local authority to the Theatre Management Group.

Now organisers are seeking help from experienced fundraisers, architects, designers, business planners and project managers to guide them through the complex process.

Mr Ingram said: “Guiseley Theatre is a unique asset for the community of Guiseley and deserves to be at the heart of the cultural life of the district as The Guiseley Theatre and Community Arts Centre.”

The theatre has been administered by Guiseley Amateurs for more than 30 years. Now they are hoping to attract more local people to become involved in its day-to-day running and in the refurbishment of the four community meeting rooms, toilets and kitchen on the ground floor.

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