STUNNING plans for the latest stage in the redevelopment of the Octagon Theatre have been formally submitted.

Designs for the £10 million project, the most comprehensive in the theatre’s 50-year history, were first revealed in May and have now been sent to Bolton Council for approval.

Large sections of the town centre building will be demolished to help create a more flexible main auditorium, as well as revamped café and bar areas.

A statement submitted with the plans said: “Originally built in 1967 (and subsequently extended), the building has now significantly outgrown its functional requirements.

“Particularly stark is the urgent need for more back of Hhuse space, as well as the great need to make the building accessible to all members of its audience and staff.

“Despite its prime town centre location in Bolton’s Cultural Quarter, the existing theatre building is not prominent, and a key aspiration of the project is to create a more striking and distinguished building appropriate for its important standing in the community and elegant, civic surroundings.

“The Main Auditorium is without question the ‘heart’ of the theatre. It will be refurbished and returned to a wider range of configurations, allowing greater flexibility and creativity in the work produced within.”