The executive of East Hertfordshire District Council (EHDC) endorsed a significant investment into Hertford Theatre that would see it transformed into a multi-screen cinema showing first release films.
During a meeting on Tuesday night (July 17), councillors voted for a £13.5million investment which would completely revamp the area.
The plans include three cinema screens, a cafe and a bar, both serving the new theatre and visitors at Hertford Castle.
The option, called the 'Growth and Legacy option', was unanimously supported by councillors who viewed it as the beginning of the transformation of Hertford's cultural quarter.
Councillor Mike Allen, who chairman of the overview and scrutiny committee where it was examined, said: "The Growth and Legacy option is the only sensible option to go with.
"It enhances Hertford town centre and it makes it a focal point for Hertford."
Councillor Eric Buckmaster argued that without substantial investment and changing the theatre, it would begin to plateau and decline in the future.
Cllr Buckmaster said: "It will act as a beacon for the development of the cultural quarter in Hertford. This is a rare opportunity."
The report on the proposed 'Growth and Legacy' option stated: "The Growth and Legacy option represents a longer-term vision for the building and its cultural offer.
"It engages with all aspects of the operation and presents a view of Hertford Theatre as a 21st century beacon of art and heritage activity for all.
"The building aims to become the hub of the evening offer to younger audiences, supporting the local night time economy."
It is estimated that the improvements could attract 120,000 visitors to the cinema per year and would help the theatre going through relying on subsides to generating a profit.
The yield from tickets for the cinema would go up from £5.18 to £8.16 and the number of sales would nearly triple from 25,210 to 65,416, according to the report.
Live shows would also be boosted, according to the report, with an increased capacity in the main auditorium to 550 and 19 more live events per year.
Councillor Linda Haysey, said: "We have now got to the stage where the Hertford Theatre is well established in Hertford and is well regarded by both the professionals and by the residents of Hertford."
