City's Grand plans

The new building will have better seating and ventilation

A firm of architects has been appointed to spearhead the transformation of the Grand Theatre in Leeds.

Building Design Partnership, who were responsible for the refurbishment of the Royal Albert Hall, will work with a number of other consultants on the Grade II* listed building in New Briggate.

It is hoped the work, which it is estimated will cost £26m, will be paid for by grants from Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund as well as other donations.

In addition to the main auditorium, there will be a new 350-seat performance space and rehearsal rooms for Opera North which is based at the Grand.

Visiting performers

As well as opera, the 125-year-old theatre also hosts a range of visiting performers and theatre companies.

Around 240,000 people attend the 300 performances a year.

The theatre will have to be closed for some months from 2005 while the work takes place.

Upon completion of the work, theatre-goers will benefit from improved seating, sight-lines and ventilation as well as better disabled access.

Disabled acccess

Leeds City Council is co-coordinating the project.

According to Councillor Elizabeth Minkin, the Grand "is beginning to feel its age".

She continued: "The scheme will kick start the regeneration of New Briggate.

"It is excellent news that such a prestigious and highly skilled team will be working on the project."