Members of the Square Chapel Trust say they have the backing of Calderdale Council, have completed new access to the building, and are ready to start raising cash.

Trust chairman Robin Sutcliffe said: "I'm very excited. I've been involved in this for 20 years and I don't think we've been in such an exciting place as we are now."

The trust is celebrating work which was recently completed to provide direct access from Square Road to Square Chapel, as well as new railings and floodlighting.

Jessica Sutcliffe, architectural adviser, said: "This is the last piece of the jigsaw in terms of conservation. We've waited 20 years for this."

The trust also has its business plan ready to start applying for grants for its £3.5 million expansion project.

The extension would link the theatre directly to the Piece Hall. It would provide a second performance space, a bigger bar and kitchen and office space and dressing rooms. The trust hopes to have the project completed in the next two years.

Architect Robert Evans, of Evans Vettori, said linking the Piece Hall and Square Chapel had been difficult because both are listed buildings.

But he has come up with "a large piece of art", made from copper, to adjoin the two buildings.