Liam Evans-Ford, the theatre’s executive director will outline the plans at an event next month.
Theatr Clwyd has been a key place for the arts since its opening in 1976 and has won numerous awards, including an Olivier and being voted UK’s Best Theatre in 2021.
However, by 2016, the building was, in Mr Evans-Ford’s words “totally shot” and not fit for purpose.
Over the past years, he has been overseeing a dramatic transformation with funding from both public and private sectors.
The new-look Theatr Clwyd will be a fossil-free building, with a range of eco-friendly measures like air source heating, solar power, and rainwater harvesting systems.
On its opening day, it is anticipated that the theatre will have reduced its carbon footprint by 80 per cent and be carbon neutral.
According to Mr Evans-Ford: “On the right days it will be a carbon neutral building, while with the right weather and plenty of sunshine, we can be carbon positive.”
The outside terraces will showcase the Clwydian Hills’ spectacular views.
Capturing the spirit of the area, Denbigh-born TV chef Bryn Williams will take over the catering franchise.
Mr Evans-Ford spoke about employment saying: “We currently employ 153 people across all of our work and by this time next year, including our partnership with Bryn Williams, we’ll probably be up to around 250.
“On top of that, we employ around 500 freelancers a year – directors, musicians, actors – and then we have seasonal workers at times like Christmas when we need more people to work on the bars, for example.”
The theatre is expected to triple its current £10 million annual contribution to the local economy.
Mr Evans-Ford added: “It’s a £50 million capital investment and even without any growth that will be paid back into the local economy in three or three and half years – so it’s a really good return on investment.”
Mr Evans-Ford and Ffion Williams, from Tŷ’r Ddraig television production company, will be the guest speakers at an upcoming breakfast meeting of Wrexham Business Professionals at Hotel Wrexham in Holt on Thursday, September 19.
Ian Edwards, a leading member of Wrexham Business Professionals, said: “We’re hugely grateful that Liam and Ffion will be giving us their fascinating insights at our next meeting and underlining how the creative arts are becoming an increasingly important and growing element in the local economy.”
Anyone interested in learning more about Wrexham Business Professionals’ meeting and events can visit the group’s website wrexhambusinessprofessionals.com, email contactus@wrexhambusinessprofessionals.com or ring 01978 752500.
