A DORSET theatre will have a significant refurbishment of its beloved community room. 

The Mowlem Theatre in Swanage has announced it has been given more than £100,000 to update the decor, refurbish the kitchen, buy new furniture and improve tech resources. 

The new look is said to mark a “transformative moment” for both The Mowlem and Swanage’s residents, “enhancing the space to better serve the needs and aspirations of our residents and visitors”. 

Vice chair of the trustees Dawn Morley, who has led the community room working group, said: “At the Mowlem we are truly excited by the possibilities of this amazing new space.  

“It will provide a modern and well equipped new venue in Swanage to extend both our programming and use by community groups.” 

Works begin on April 15 and will be completed for an open event on June 1. 

A spokesperson for the theatre thanked the funders Swanage Town Council and De Moulham Trust, Talbot Village Trust, Caring As One charity and other individual donations.