A Kenilworth theatre has been awarded a further £35,000 towards its redevelopment project as the building costs continue to rise.

The Talisman Theatre had already been awarded £100,000 by Kenilworth Town Council to be put towards stage one of its extension plans.

The project will eventually see a two-storey extension, a new studio and lift built for the Barrow Road venue, and was originally expected to cost £1.3million.

But with building costs continuing to rise the theatre has received more funding from the council through the Community Infrastructure Levy fund. 

At last week's full meeting, KTC also approved that a previously agreed contingency fund of £9,090.91 will be released to the Talisman.

Stage one of the project will see a new foyer built at the Barrow Road theatre (image supplied)

Speaking at the council's last finance and general services meeting, Cllr Richard Dickson: "I am impressed by the fact that, as I walk past it nearly every day, the building work does not appear to be being delayed, and is actually pressing ahead. 

"It is a major anniversary year for the Talisman, it's its 80th year of being in Kenilworth and it is vital to the cultural life of the town. It is really important."

The Talisman Theatre has occupied its current home on Barrow Road since it opened in 1969. 

The 158-seater theatre received planning permission for its redevelopment in 2019.

And following the latest batch of funding Nigel Eliott, chair of the Talisman Theatre said: "We're extremely grateful to Kenilworth Town Council for increasing the funding they've provided to help us with the first phase of the theatre's development and for their ongoing support. 

"The work to create our new foyer, which will provide social, rehearsal, performance and community space, is progressing well and we look forward to welcoming the people of Kenilworth to its full opening early next year."

The Talisman Theatre is the exclusive sponsor of Kenilworth Nub News' What's On section.

Without community-minded partners like them we would not be able to produce dedicated, clickbait-free news to the people of Kenilworth.

Phase one of the project is expected to be completed in early 2023 (image supplied)