Future of St Albans’ Maltings Arts Theatre in your hands

RESIDENTS are being asked to give their views on how a local theatre and its programme can be improved.

St Albans council is keen to refurbish the Maltings Arts Theatre and provide access to film, live theatre and other events.

It would also like to see an upgraded caf�-bar and a digital lounge to be used for film club events, arts workshops, specialist arts training sessions and business meetings.

The council is asking both local residents and theatre-goers what they like and dislike about the venue currently and their views on the type of programming it should provide before drawing up final plans.

Anyone interested in expressing an opinion about the theatre can do so by completing a short, online questionnaire and/or joining in an online discussion forum on the council’s website at www.stalbans.gov.uk/maltings-consultation

The questionnaire was made available on Monday and runs until September 10. Anyone who completes the questionnaire online will be entered into a prize draw to win one of four �25 Marks and Spencer vouchers.

Cllr Sheila Burton, portfolio holder for culture and heritage at the council, said: “The council is firmly committed to the Maltings Arts Theatre and is planning to refurbish the venue so that it can be used to host a variety of arts events, workshops and shows.

“I would urge anyone interested in the future of the arts venue to support it by contributing to this consultation and giving their views on how it can be improved. The results of the survey and the opinions expressed on the online forum will help the council to develop a venue that appeals to a broad spectrum of the local community.”