A multi-million pound theatre seating more than 1,000 people could be built in Tunbridge Wells, it has been revealed.

The venue would replace the town's Assembly Hall Theatre, which councillors believe is no longer fit for purpose.

The plans have been discussed alongside other opportunities including the potential relocation of the existing council offices, located in Mount Pleasant Road.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said to fund the 1,300-seater theatre, which could be built on the Great Hall Car Park on Mount Pleasant, the authority would need to move out of the Town Hall to allow the space to be redeveloped.

Council leader, David Jukes, said staff would be moved to specially-built offices within a civic centre on Mount Pleasant Avenue.

The civic area would be used by businesses and the community comprising meeting rooms, a roof terrace, offices and a public space which could even be used for weddings.

Council chiefs say the theatre, which could rival the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, would be built and operational within seven years.

The authority previously commissioned a study by Stephen Browning Associates (SBA Study) to look at potential options for re-configuration of the existing theatre.

This identified that while it may be possible to improve the site, it would not deliver an ideal venue and there would be considerable interruption to the programme of performances during works.

The new theatre could have restaurants and bars overlooking Calverley Grounds.

If the plans go ahead the Town Hall and Assembly Hall Theatre could be used for business, retail, residential or leisure use.

Council bosses said a casino could even be built.

The authority is considering five different options for the theatre and three separate delivery structure options.

The council can either decide to deliver each component of the project - including redevelopment of the civic site and construction of new theatre and offices - separately, grouping the civic centre redevelopment with one, or both of the new buildings under a development agreement, or a joint venture which could incorporate a combination of the projects.

Councillor Jukes said more than £10m would need to be spent on the Town Hall soon to keep it open and operational.

Council chiefs maintained the position that the Assembly Hall Theatre would not close until a new venue was up and running.