ESSEX County Council has pledged to invest £1million in Colchester's Mercury Theatre.

The theatre has announced ambitious £8.8million plans which will see a sizeable expansion of the Balkerne Gate venue as well as a learning and participation centre being built.

The plans are due to be completed in 2020.

County Hall bosses say the pledge is in recognition of the “quality, scope and potential impact for Essex as a whole” of the theatre's proposals.

The funding is, though, subject to an extra £2.8million being raised by the theatre itself to fill a funding gap.

David Finch, Leader of Essex County Council, said: “We’re very pleased to be investing in this great organisation that does so much positive work for Colchester, not just in arts and culture but in outreach, community projects and in bringing investment to the borough.”

John Spence, Essex county councillor with responsibility for Heritage, Culture and the Arts, added: “The Mercury’s proposal is hugely impressive.

"The quality, scope and potential impact for Essex as a whole is clear.

"It has been interesting to understand the scale and reach of Mercury activity; this scheme will enable more development of unique skills, and our support sits alongside that we are giving for other aspects of the creative arts strategy in Colchester such as University of Essex, firstsite and the Creative Hub.”

Steve Mannix, Mercury Theatre Executive Director, said: “This is a major boost to our fundraising at a key moment in the campaign.

"This backing will help us to create great theatre in exciting new spaces used by the whole community, and boosts our ambitions to share facilities, skills and knowledge with arts organisations across the county."

Gazette:

The theatre has already received funding pledges from Colchester Council, of £1million, and Arts Council England, of up to £4million. 

At the moment, about £6million has been pledged.

That means the theatre will have to raise about £2.8million itself.

It is seeking support from charitable organisations, foundations and, potentially, corporate donors.

A public fundraising campaign is also set to be launched in early Autumn. 

The re-development will include a complete re-build of the building to the back of the theatre, while a roof terrace would also be added to give customers a view of Jumbo.