“This investment represents a huge vote of confidence in Sheffield's cultural offer”

A long balcony overlooking Tudor Square is set to be a major feature of the Crucible after a £45m revamp, new images show.

There will also be a redesigned entrance, foyer and café, designed by architect Allies and Morrison.

The Crucible is set to have a long balcony overlooking Tudor Square in £45m revamp. | SCC

placeholder image — The Crucible is set to have a long balcony overlooking Tudor Square in £45m revamp. | SCC

The design proposals were revealed for the first time during Sheffield City Council's strategy and resources committee, which approved the next stage of design work and the preparation of a full business case for the project.

Any final designs are subject to both listed building consent and planning permission approval.

Some £45m is set to be spent upgrading and expanding the iconic venue.

A new cafe will be created at the Crucible as part of its expansion. | scc

It will have the ability to increase capacity by 50 per cent, from its current 964 seats, to a 1,500-seat theatre in the round.

There will also be improvements to the visitor experience and the behind-the-scenes facilities.

Coun Fran Belbin, leader of Sheffield City Council, said: "The Crucible has played a central role in Sheffield's cultural identity for more than 50 years and I am delighted that we are moving forward with this project to ensure that this remains the case for the foreseeable future.

The Crucible foyer will be redesigned, new images show. | SCC

“These new images bring the vision for its future to life showing how we can preserve both its unique atmosphere and its legacy while creating a modern, sustainable venue fit for generations to come.

“This investment represents a huge vote of confidence in Sheffield's cultural offer and city centre, and we're taking an important step towards securing the long-term future of this world-renowned venue and the economic, social and cultural benefits it brings to our city."

The iconic theatre is to have an extra 500 seats installed so audiences will be on every side of the stage, or ‘in the round’. | scc

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Oliver Heywood, Director at Allies and Morrison, said they had been inspired by the spirit of the original building - a beacon of culture and community.

He added: “These proposals will restore and celebrate this character while equipping it for the future."

Approval also allows for further progress to be made on the funding strategy for the project following confirmation that there is a credible route to a fully funded scheme.

This includes contributions from public sector partners, including SYMCA and government, and private, philanthropic and strategic funding.

The structure of the funding package was originally agreed at a round table hosted by the Prime Minister on a visit to Sheffield in March.