ALL SINGING, all dancing plans for the Festival Hall are in Petersfield in the pipeline.

Although only at the discussion stage, in time it is hoped the ideas to make the hall the best theatre in the area will become reality.

The 1930s building is owned by Petersfield Town Council, and ambitious improvements to turn it into a theatrical hub are being considered.

A report based on ideas from councillors, council officers and the Green Team backstage crew says: “There needs to be a long term vision for it as a first class venue for performance, exhibitions, conferences and events.”

Once the document has been approved, it is proposed that an architect and theatrical consultant will advise on ideas, how long the work might take, and costs.

It is expected that replacing the ageing kitchen extension alongside in the halls’ Rose Room will be the first step, and should go ahead soon.

At the same time plans for a coffee shop in the Rose Room and a manned box office in the foyer are likely to be realised.

The box office, and improvements to the theatrical facilities, will not only benefit local amateur dramatic groups that use the hall, but enable the council to book professional shows and acts.

Income from these council run events would go toward covering the running costs of the hall.

Other proposals include relocating sound and lighting equipment to a more suitable spot in the hall, and creating rooms for rehearsals, and where stage sets can be built and painted.

Moving the council staff out of their cramped and unconnected offices and into a more suitable work area is also likely to progress quickly, two to three years is the estimated time frame.

An art gallery is also in the mix, as are conference facilities, creating more offices to rent out, new entrances to the building from the car park, and improved parking and unloading areas outside it.

All this, suggests the report, will create a “multi-functional building,” that is complaint “with all equality requirements” and meets the “needs of a wide variety of organisations and groups.”