Work is due to begin on the refurbishment of a theatre.

The Alexandra Theatre in Bognor is set to receive a £15 million transformation.

The plans will see the theatre, in Belmont Street, partially demolished and a new extension will be built to accommodate for more seating in the main auditorium.

There would be space for 386 seats, up from the existing 357, and a new lighting bridge to remove the need for current access ladders within the auditorium.

The district council was awarded £12.19 million of Levelling Up funding and will contribute £3 million of its own money to the scheme.

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It is hoped that the theatre will reopen in 2026.

A spokesman for Arun District Council said: “The proposals for the rejuvenation of Alexandra Theatre are progressing as programmed.

“Our appointed contractor, Neilcott Construction, are now on site and preparing the area in order to start main construction works shortly.”

During the planning stages, the council said that “special attention” was being given to “minimising disruption to the Regis Centre car park and Place St Maur”.