PLANS for National Theatre of Scotland's £6million new HQ have taken a leap forward after a planning application was lodged.

The Evening Times can exclusively reveal plans  for a proposed new Spiers Wharf facility have now been submitted to Glasgow City Council.

If planning consent is granted, it means that for the first time the theatre company - nicknamed the "theatre without walls" - will have a proper base.

NTS executive producer Neil Murray said: "At the moment we have a number of different buildings spread across Glasgow, our administration offices and rehearsal room are relatively close but neither are really fit for purpose in the long term. We also have a workshop in Maryhill and a store in Dumbarton.

"We're looking to consolidate all of those areas into one building.

"That is both practical in terms of it won't cost us any more money to run that building, but crucially it is a creative decision."

He added: "It is hard when you have a company rehearsing a show and never really see them as they're in a different building to you.

"It's when you get everybody together, and that includes the canteen spaces which is as important as the rehearsal rooms, this is really about bringing all these things together under one roof."

The new Speirs Wharf base would be close to the current NTS home at Civic House.

Bosses plan to use the space for groundbreaking new theatre - such as the multiple award-winning Black Watch - as well as community engagement.

Money for the building has come from the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council.

It is hoped that NTS will be able to move into its proposed new home by the end of 2015.

NTS was established in 2005 and has performed to Scottish, UK and worldwide audiences including in Asia, US, Australia, Middle East, Africa and South America.

Over the past four years, the NTS, which was set up in Hope Street in the city centre less than 10 years ago, has created more than 70 productions.