East Hertfordshire District Council (EHDC) has commenced work on a £1m overhaul of a Hertford arts venue, which is scheduled to reopen its doors at the end of autumn.
Castle Hall will benefit from an extensive refurbishment to provide a café, a bar, a dance and exercise studio and an art gallery, while outdated parts of the building will be demolished.
The foyer, box office and River Room areas will be transformed, while a new cinema programme is also being planned. The venue will also be rebranded Hertford Theatre as part of the scheme.
EHDC executive member for community development, leisure and culture, Linda Haysey, said: "When the venue re-opens as Hertford Theatre, it will also feature a brand new cinema quality film programme and professional pantomime to make the most of the newly revamped facilities and attract more visitors.
"In the tough financial times that we are facing, this project is a great example of how we are making smart investments for the future while making this important asset something that everyone in Hertford can enjoy and be proud of."
