AMBITIOUS new plans to modernise Bolton's Octagon Theatre for future generations have been revealed.

Bosses at the venue, in Howell Croft South, are exploring various options, from a lower end scheme costing £2 million up to a major £12 million redevelopment which would see the building extended at the rear and upwards.

Chief executive Roddy Gauld said they had "outgrown the building" which opened in 1967 at a cost of £95,000 using money raised by public donation.

The Octagon celebrates its 50th anniversary in November 2017 and Mr Gauld said he hopes funding will be secured to start the work in 2018.

He said: "It would be great to follow the milestone up with something exciting and something looking to the future and set off the next 50 years in the right way."

They have been working with architectural teams from two practices, Austin Smith Lord and Helm Architecture, along with specialist theatre consultants.

Mr Gauld said: "The building no longer meets modern standards backstage or for disability access, its age is showing in many places and it’s not big enough for the range of work we do.

"We want to provide better and accessible facilities for our learning, youth and community activities, as well as modernising the essential systems and providing improvements for audiences, such as air conditioning.

"It’s important that the Octagon keeps up with other venues in Bolton and also the standards of other theatres nationally."

The plans also include replacing the auditorium seating, improving the front facade, making the whole building fully accessible and as environmentally friendly as possible.

An extended and enhanced Octagon would feature new rehearsal studios for actors, students and youth theatre and more room for community work.

The amount of disruption or closure would depend on the scale of the final scheme chosen.

Last year the Octagon was able to modernise and improve customer facilities with support from Arts Council England, Bolton Council — which provides 7 percent of the theatre's annual turnover — fundraising events and other donors.

Mr Gauld added: "We are analysing the impact of the Octagon and what the benefits of the project would be and that's partly to determine the value for money.

"But we already know the Octagon brings visitors into the town, generates positive publicity internationally about Bolton and we know that more than 60% per cent of our spend is with local suppliers.

"Having a theatre is important to the life of the town, its cultural wellbeing and having activities for young people and families — people shouldn't have to travel to Manchester, The Lowry or Liverpool to be entertained."

Councillor Cliff Morris, leader of Bolton Council which supported the study by architects, said: “We know residents cherish their local theatres and we know how much the Octagon is valued by people. It is one of our most important cultural venues and also brings visitors in boosting the local economy.

“We are looking forward to discussing these ideas with the Octagon team and seeing how the theatre can be part of the many exciting developments that are under way in Bolton town centre.”