Digital and 3D cinema facilities will be installed at The Maltings Arts Theatre in St Albans as part of a major overhaul of the venue.

St Albans City and District Council (SACDC) subsidises the venue at a rate of £100,000-£150,000 each year and hopes the revamp will safeguard the theatre's future. The addition of digital cinema facilities could help The Maltings Arts Theatre to become a self-financing venue, with 3D cinema projection also set to enhance its offer.

It is anticipated that between £380,000-£405,000 will be invested by the council, depending on grant funding being secured. SACDC leader Robert Donald said: "The Maltings Arts Theatre has been a council arts venue for over two decades, but the council has had to subsidise it increasingly in recent years.

"The business plan is based on the capital invest to save policy and shows the cinema will be financially self-funding within four years and our Council Tax subsidy will be reduced to zero over this period."