The Swan Theatre is joined to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Residents and business leaders have also shown overwhelming support to change the current building which they feel is isolated and unwelcoming.

The findings are a result of a consultation project into the RSC's plans to transform its Stratford site.

People wanted a landmark, recognisable the world over, which the town could be proud of.

The consultation was carried out by Opinion Leader Research which held workshop sessions with residents, business leaders and audiences.

They found people wanted a building which was more theatrical and sympathetic to the town's heritage.

They also wanted better public spaces and a site which was more welcoming to people with walkways linking it to the town centre.

Work begins on the new theatres after April 2007.