PETERSFIELD Town Council is to set out its vision for the future of the Festival Hall during a special public consultation day.

The council is considering the first major changes since the 1980s to the building off Heath Road, which dates back to the 1930s.

Changes being considered include a revamped main hall with as many as 462 seats, an extension to replace the kitchen area, improvements to the Rose Room, better public toilets, improved wheelchair access backstage, a bigger council chamber and improved offices, and the creation of meeting rooms.

The council believes there needs to be a long-term vision for the Festival Hall to ensure it is a first class venue for performances, exhibitions, conferences and events.

Councillors believe this will be made possible through Community Infrastructure Levy funding provided by developments in the town in conjunction with a plan of incremental development of the building and its facilities.

The town council has been working with Foster Wilson Architects and specialist consultants to produce the designs and ideas which will go on show during the consultation day.

This is being held in the Festival Hall this Saturday, from 10am-3pm, and will include an exhibition of some of the key ideas being put forward and a display on the history of the hall.

A series of specialised forums is being held during the day - 10-11am on exhibitions, fairs, sales and general users; 11am-12.30pm on technical aspects; and 1.15-2.45pm on drama and dance.