Curtain recall for £10m theatre refurbishment plan

Plans to overhaul a West Sussex theatre will be looked at again, after an unexpected jump in costs.

The Capitol Theatre in Horsham is 90 years old and was last refurbished in 2003.

Horsham District Council is proposing to increase seating capacity, replace its boilers, add more toilets and refurbish the foyer.

The £10.7m plan will now be looked at again after a contractor increased its estimate by 25%.

The council's director of communities Paul Anderson said: "This is the right thing to do and builds on the Council’s reputation for prudent financial management.

"Quite simply, at this point in time and based on the predicted costs, the financial risk was too great.

"We are still committed to making improvements which will enhance the overall customer experience, meet our environmental ambitions and secure this much-loved cultural venue for the future, whilst maintaining and ensuring financial diligence."

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