Flood defences around a world-renowned Suffolk concert hall are set to be raised to protect the venue in the event of a 'one in 200 year' flooding event.

The Snape Maltings Concert Hall is internationally recognised, having been established by the composer Benjamin Britten and opened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1967.

Now charity Britten Pears Arts, which seeks to continue Britten's legacy, has announced that it is working closely with charity Alde and Ore Estuary Trust (AOET), which aims to maintain and improve river defences and East Suffolk Water Management Board (ESWMB) to protect the hall.

READ MORE: Grade II* listed status for historic Snape Maltings Concert Hall

East Anglian Daily Times: Composer Benjamin Britten established Snape Maltings concert hallComposer Benjamin Britten established Snape Maltings concert hall (Image: Archant)The AOET and ESWMB have secured funding from the Environment Agency to raise the flood defences to meet a one in 200 year event.

The works are included as part of Britten Pears Arts' three year £13.4 million Capital Programme to deliver increased activities for communities, enhance lives through creativity and improve health.

READ MORE: Snape’s Roger Wright on how Aldeburgh Festival stays true to its roots

The charity has also received £750,000 funding from Arts Council England and has a number of projects lined up within the Capital Programme, including improvements to the concert hall's auditorium seating, upgraded lighting, an extra passenger lift, refurbished toilets and better kitchen facilities.

Furthermore, there will be improvements to artists' accommodation at Snape Maltings and a new visitor exhibition at The Red House in Aldeburgh, the home shared by Britten and tenor Peter Pears.

A discovery centre will also be created at Snape Maltings to tell stories about the heritage sites.

East Anglian Daily Times: Roger Wright, chief executive of Britten Pears ArtsRoger Wright, chief executive of Britten Pears Arts (Image: Matt Jollly)Roger Wright, chief executive of Britten Pears Arts, said: “This programme will create transformational benefits for Britten Pears Arts, our audiences, communities and musicians.

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"The sensitive improvements to the buildings will resolve access and sustainability challenges which mean everyone will be able to enjoy the activities we present in them.

"We offer huge thanks to Arts Council England and all the other funders for their vital support. 

"Whilst there remains a big funding challenge which we have to overcome, I am confident that we will meet it and am proud of what we have achieved so far, as we continue to respect our heritage and protect our future.”

READ MORE: Suffolk news