Lyric demolition paves way for replacement

The new Lyric Theatre is due to open in 2010

Bulldozers and demolition workers have moved in to level Belfast's Lyric Theatre later.

A new-look multi-million pound Lyric, is scheduled to open for business on the same site at Ridgeway Street on the banks of the River Lagan in March 2010.

Plans for the new theatre were chosen from 56 entries through an open design competition.

The theatre first opened in 1951 and moved to its present premises about 20 years later.

However, ongoing problems with the buildings and dated facilities led to a decision to close it.