THEATREGOERS are invited to meet the architects this weekend who are planning to transform the Eastgate.

For almost 18 months the directors and staff at the Peebles arts centre have been working on ambitious plans to enlarge and improve the building.

They hope that expanding and reconfiguring the venue will allow it to meet the needs and demands of the growing population of Peebles and surrounding areas.

Plans and costings have been prepared following a period of design development, which was shaped by extensive community consultation.

And now the draft plans for the improvements are to be unveiled this weekend.

Maggie Mackay, marketing manager at the Eastgate Theatre, told us: "Everyone is invited to share our vision this week when there will be a display of floor plans, elevations, and an audio visual walk through of the potentially re-configured Eastgate in the theatre’s Anne Younger Studio.

"Representatives from the project group and from Simpson & Brown Architects will be available, to provide information and respond to feedback."

The Big Lottery Fund’s Community Assets programme has funded the preparation work and consultation.

The next step is to raise significant external funding – likely to amount to around £1.5m in total – from the Big Lottery Fund and other funders, as well as sponsors and donors.

The open days will be held today (Friday) and tomorrow between 10am and 4pm.