Plans to invest £3.45m in renovating the "jewel in the crown" of Ipswich have been approved by Ipswich Borough Council's executive committee. 

On Tuesday, July 16, the borough council's executives discussed refurbishments planned for Ipswich Regent Theatre - in advance of its 100th birthday.

The plans include creating larger bar areas, refurbishing Circle Lounge and also increasing the number of toilets in the venue.

Disabled access will also be improved with significant improvements to the venue’s accessible entrance and an increased number of accessible toilets.

Portfolio holder for culture and customers Cllr Jane Riley said: "The Regent Theatre is the jewel in the crown of our town and we would like to push through with some much-needed upgrades for it."

She added that to ensure the plans to be funded they would need to add a further 20p restoration levy on tickets above £10. 

This would be in addition to the already existing restoration levy of £1.50 - taking the total levy to £1.70. 

The plans were passed through unanimously.

Cllr Ian Fisher, leader of the Conservatives, noted that the council should keep an eye on the Grade II listed site, as it may soon need bigger renovations.