Community theatre could undergo major revamp

A century-old theatre bought by a charity last year is set for a major refurbishment, according to new plans.

The Novello Theatre in Sunninghill High Street dates back to the 1920s and was owned by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) from 1966 until last year.

RBWM had earmarked it for potential demolition in its 2024/25 budget because of the "prohibitive" £1m cost of doing it up but it was sold to the Sunninghill Trust last year.

Now known as The Picture House Theatre, the trust has submitted its refurb plans for the venue, while another trust wants to renovate a hall next door.

The Cordes Hall community building, owned by the Cordes Trust, could also be improved.

It was built in 1902 and was left to the Vicar of the Parish of Sunninghill to be used by the community.

The two applications are "the culmination of an extensive and ambitious community project" by the charities, they said.

"The works will safeguard both buildings' long-established contribution to the community for years to come and reflect the history of the buildings which spans over 100 years."

Novello Theatre currently has 160 seats, but its layout could be changed to offer 182 seats, with enhanced dressing facilities.

The theatre's roof could be replaced, along with the building's front canopy.

At the Cordes Hall, part of a building at the back of the site, which used to be a garage, could be replaced by a single storey building for a new bar and ticket entrance for the Picture House.

The applications will be decided in due course by RBWM.