AFTER celebrations took place to celebrate its 75th anniversary, attention is now focused on creating a thriving future for Hull New Theatre.
Proposals, which include expanding the facility to include the nearby Central Fire Station, are being considered by the council in a feasibility study.
The fire station in Worship Street is expected to be closed and moved to another location in the city centre.
Cabinet members are expected to consider proposals for the future of the Kingston Square theatre, which celebrated its 75th birthday yesterday, by the end of next month.
Councillor Terry Geraghty, portfolio holder for leisure and culture, said the plans will mean the theatre can attract larger shows.
He said: "The theatre has just celebrated 75 years since it first opened, and we want to see people continue to enjoy performances here in another 75 years.
"Hull New Theatre is already renowned as one of the best touring theatres in the country and we are looking to develop it to enable larger shows to perform here, as well as increase capacity for visitors."
Measures to improve facilities at the theatre have already got under way, with the installation of disabled toilets nearing completion and a new infrared hearing system.
Further developments being considered include increasing the stage depth and seating capacity and installing a new bar.
The fire station is expected to close when a new facility opens in the city.
Cllr Geraghty said it is important the building does not go unused.
He said: "If the fire station is empty, you just can't leave it derelict, can you?
"You've got to do something about it and that's the whole point of looking at feasibility because too many times our buildings are decayed and vandalised.
"We looked at the limited amount of room we've got at the theatre and this gives us the golden opportunity of doing it."
Cllr Geraghty said it is not just about looking forward to becoming the UK City of Culture 2017.
He said: "There is a big demand for people wanting to go to the theatre.
"We've got to look to the future and make sure we have a theatre that is fit for our grandchildren and our great- grandchildren.
"We're not just looking at 2017. We're looking to 2020, 2030 and 2040, that's where we need to be looking at – making sure people can come to the theatre and enjoy the best of shows, so they don't have to go down to London or Manchester."
Cllr Geraghty said the plans will increase the number of people going to the theatre.
He said: "I think it's an exciting future for the theatre. The people of Hull must think it because of the increase in people coming here.
"A lot of people will say it's because of 2017, it's not 2017. It is a great plus for the city, but what we've got to think is about what happens after 2017 and we've got to make sure this city goes forward as it is doing now."
Cllr Geraghty said the plan now is to look at what can be achieved.
He said: "The whole office is looking at what we can do and what we can't do. That's what we are doing.
"We are one of the best touring theatres in the country now."
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