Plans for a new Theatre Royal in Dumfries designed by award-winning architects RMJM were approved by Dumfries and Galloway City Council this week. The new development will replace Scotland's oldest working theatre and linked to famous Scots, poet Robert Burns and author JM Barrie. Over the past 200 years, the building has been subject to radical alterations, leaving very little of the original, 1792 theatre.

Following a series of proposals to the local planners, including the rebuilding of the theatre behind the existing façade, Dumfries and Galloway City Council finally gave the green light to the building of a new, modern facility on the existing site which can significantly contribute to the social, cultural and economic life of the area.

RMJM has worked in close partnership with Dumfries Theatre Royal Trust since 2002 on the long-running project. The bold new £7 million proposal aims to create an exemplary, state-of-the-art hub for the performing arts in Dumfries and south west Scotland. Facilities for the surrounding community will include a 300-seat flexible theatre, 100-seat studio space, a youth media centre, bar and restaurant.

The design of the new building shows the theatre wrapped in decorative, coloured steel cladding, etched with poems and texts, like a piece of sculptural art. At night the building will come to life when the theatrical texts are colourfully backlit to contrast with the theatre's large urban windows which frame views of the patrons within. Internally, a play of light will reflect the words across the internal spaces.