CAROLINE CULOT The first stage of the refurbishment of the Norwich Theatre Royal moved a step forward today with the appointment of the main contractor for the work on the modernisation programme.

CAROLINE CULOT

The first stage of the refurbishment of the Norwich Theatre Royal moved a step forward today with the appointment of the main contractor for the work on the modernisation programme.

East Anglian company R G Carter Construction was appointed as the main builders for the first part of the project, which concen-trates on the refurbishment and alteration of the first floor area of Dencora House into office and hospitality space for the theatre.

This is the first step in an eighteen month, £10m scheme which will transform the public areas of the Theatre Royal, with the initial stage being completed in September this year.

Chris Snowling, spokesman for RG Carter, said: “We are delighted to be awarded the contract for this initial phase of the Theatre's modernisation programme.”

The second phase of construction, which is still to go out to tender, will involve creating a link building between Dencora House and the existing theatre during which time the theatre will still be presenting shows.

Finally, extensive work on the existing building will see the theatre closing for several months in 2007.

“After many years of planning we are really excited that this project is now getting off the ground,” said Peter Wilson, the theatre's chief executive.

The scheme will improve the facilities for audiences by almost doubling the foyer space, increasing leg room in the circle seats, providing full access to all levels, doubling the number of toilets and installing a new air treatment system along with a state-of-the-art sound enhancement system to improve the acoustic in the auditorium to concert hall standards.

The theatre bought and sold neighbouring Dencora House making money for its appeal in the process. It will rent back café hospitality and office space in the building.