Work is starting on a £3 million feasibility study of ways to develop the Royal Shakespeare Company’s theatres and workshops in Stratford.

The ten month study is running alongside a separate analysis of traffic issues in the town and will form part of a detailed plan for the theatre’s regeneration.

The study will look at continuing operations in Stratford without disruption throughout any construction programme. Ultimately it will also produce an architectural brief.

A raft of experts have been appointed by the RSC for the project. Once the feasibility and consultation process is over, plans for the area will be drawn up.

The two studies will examine how theatre audiences, visitors and local residents can most conveniently travel to and from the area by all methods of transport.

The studies will also make recommendations for improving the design of public spaces near the theatre and see what improvements can be made to car parking and for pedestrians.

Theatre Projects Consultants (TPC) have been appointed theatre consultants for the redevelopment, joining the design team led by the RSC's principal architect Erick van Egeraat.

TPC's projects include Glyndebourne Festival Theatre; The Royal Court Theatre; Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre; The Lowry Centre, Salford; The Geary Theater, San Francisco, USA; and The Cerritos Center for Performing Arts, Los Angeles, USA.

Gardiner & Theobald have been appointed cost consultants to carry out an initial financial assessment for the redevelopment.

Their role is to provide preliminary advice on capital and revenue costs, value and risk management, and other financial matters.

Alan Baxter & Associates will be responsible for preparing a conservation plan during the study to make sure that historic buildings on the RSC’s 14-acre estate are considered alongside the area’s needs for the future.

The company is known for its engineering expertise with historic buildings and in the assessment of listed buildings and historic sites, including a number of conservation plans. Previous projects of international significance they have worked on include the Tower of London environs; St Paul's Cathedral; Hampton Court and the Royal Opera House.

Jones Lang LaSalle has been appointed as planning advisors for the RSC redevelopment.  Specialists from its Birmingham and London offices will advise on the urban planning and legislative implications of the scheme.

Halcrow Fox of Birmingham, one of the UK's leading consultants in traffic and transport planning, has been appointed transportation advisor for the project.

RSC Redevelopment Project Director Jonathan Pope said:

"Redevelopment of the RSC's Stratford home is a large and complex project and a key element in contributing to a coherent vision for the future of our town.

“We are delighted to have appointed these very distinguished professional advisors to our team led by architect Erick van Egeraat.

“They bring a wealth of international and local expertise to the project. As the feasibility study progresses, we shall continue to consult widely and to work closely with our regional partners to ensure that the redevelopment enhances the future prosperity of Stratford and the region."

Stratford-on-Avon District Council chief executive Ian Prosser said:

"We are very pleased to be working in close partnership with the RSC on this vital project for the future of the region's economy, the quality of living for its residents, and the quality of experience for the many who visit it from all over the world."