The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has announced £100m plans to revamp its Stratford-upon-Avon home, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

The Grade II-listed building, built in 1932, is being redesigned by project architects Bennetts Associates and according to the RSC, pledges for 85 per cent of the funding have already been received.

Arts Council England and Advantage West Midlands have reportedly promised £50m and £20m respectively, with another £15m coming through private donations.

Central to the project is the new main stage for the theatre, which aims to transform “the relationship between the artists and audience” by reducing the distance from the furthest seat to the stage from 30 to just 15 metres.

RSC artistic director Michael Boyd said: “Our commitment to bring an immediacy and clarity to Shakespeare means we need to bring the audience to a more engaged relationship with our actors. The best way we can do that is in a bold thrust-stage, one-room auditorium – a modern take on the theatres of Shakespeare’s day.”

Other key elements of the scheme include the restoration of the heritage elements of the building, an accessible riverside walkway running along the RSC’s theatres, a rooftop café/restaurant, two café/bars, and a theatre tower marking a new entrance and providing circulation to all parts of the building.

Work, subject to planning permission, is scheduled to begin in spring next year for a 2010 reopening. Details: www.rsc.org.uk