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A £50m project to redevelop one of the best known theatres in north Wales aims to create 100 new jobs.

The new Theatr Clwyd in Mold, Flintshire, intends to become carbon neutral, with air source heating, solar panels and rainwater harvesting being installed.

The theatre opened in 1976 and over the years its audiences have seen performances by the likes of Sir Anthony Hopkins, Vanessa Redgrave and Timothy Dalton.

When the building reopens next year, the company said it hoped it would generate more than £20m for the local economy.

Chief executive Liam Evans-Ford said the theatre was one of four in the UK with "all the making departments in-house, the costume makers, the scenic artists, the scenic construction with the welders and carpenters, the props makers and the lighting and sound technicians".

He said an economic impact survey showed the current turnover generated £10m every year for the local economy.

"That’s estimated to double if not treble when we’re open with all the extra people we’ll be employing," he said.

Mr Evans-Ford said the building would reduce its carbon footprint by 80%.

"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."