An artist's impression of the new theatreTHE Riverbank theatre and cinema project in Marlborough has moved a step closer to reality with the submission of the final plans to Kennet District Council.

Drawings of the proposed building received an enthusiastic welcome when they were unveiled to an invited audience of supporters, councillors and some neighbouring residents of the George Lane site at the town hall on Thursday.

No precise cost was given because that will depend on any changes the planners ask for. However the Kennet Valley Arts Trust, the group behind the Riverbank proposal, had already embarked on a £4.5 million fundraising programme.

Local architect Nigel Clark, the trustee who led the planning discussions, described the new theatre as "a landmark building".

To help it blend in with its water meadow surroundings, the building has oak louvre cladding, flat roofed areas covered in turf and a main roof of a modern stainless steel that will look like lead.

Inside it will have a flat-floor auditorium for 300 people with retractable seating, a studio to seat up to 75, and a terrace with caf seating overlooking the water meadow.