AN AMBITIOUS £500,000 revamp of Worcester’s Swan Theatre will begin early next year after winning the approval of city planners.

Members of Worcester City Council’s planning committee praised a scheme put forward by the council leadership which they said would transform the building’s “ugly” exterior and dramatically improve the experience for theatre-goers.

The Moor Street theatre’s unflattering 1960s concrete shell will be replaced with a distinctive metal and translucent cladding, part of which will be illuminated at night with coloured lights.

Inside, the theatre’s dining room will be extended to include a rear balcony offering sweeping vistas across Pitchcroft Racecourse, while an improved heating and air conditioning system will be installed inside the main auditorium.

The theatre is owned by the city council, which has put forward half a million pounds for the revamp. Tourism body Worcester Live has raised £40,000 towards the costs of the new air-conditioning.

Senior planning officer Alan Coleman described the theatre as a “dominant building that has seen better days”.

“It’s in need of renovation,” he said. “I don’t think there’s any argument this would be a major improvement.”

His view was shared by the committee, which voted unanimously to approve the scheme.

“This offers a solution to the serious problems with this building,” said Labour councillor Roger Berry. “In summer it’s a hot house and in winter it’s ice cold. The extra cladding is going to make a difference and improve the building’s look.”

Tory councillor Andy Robert agreed, saying: “A favourite walk of mine is along the river with one of the city’s best townscapes of the spires and the old county jail but the whole thing is spoiled by an ugly building that’s completely out of kilter. This is a dramatic improvement.”

Labour councillor Geoff Williams was less impressed and said: “I think it’s a bit bland and the lighting effect I suspect will make it a bit like an amusement park. But given what you’re starting with it’s a great improvement.”

The scheme includes removing asbestos, improving insulation and essential repairs and maintenance.

The project is expected to begin at the end of January and take about four months to complete.