Steel frame lifted into place as theatre's £2.7m revamp gathers pace

The work, which involves cranes lifting into place the main steel structure, should be completed by autumn.

And currently the construction team is working on the new section of the theatre adjoined to the old building.

Richard Elder, Rosehill’s director, said: “This is phase one of the redevelopment, the steel has arrived for the main new structure.

“It is a substantial new build and sees the first work on the new building, it’s the first time we’ve had a crane on site so it’s an exciting time.”

Reimagine Rosehill will see the auditorium at the Moresby theatre retained – albeit with an upgrade – and a new 60-seat restaurant with a terrace overlooking the sea, alongside improved front-of-house and backstage facilities.

Mr Elder said: “The auditorium is the jewel in the crown, it will essentially look the same but all the seats and wall coverings will be refurbished.

“We were hoping to open in summer but more extensive ground work was required than we realised, and bad weather has held us back. It will mean autumn now, hopefully in time for a Christmas feast.

“A culvert was broken so we’ve had to run a new drainage system, the underground preparations have been considerable.”

He added: “There is going to be an all new changing area and stage door.

“The auditorium, on stage and backstage will have full disability access.”

The revamp is set to create 15 new jobs; 10 in catering and hospitality and five in running the theatre.

Work is being carried out by Postlethwaite Construction and architects Johnston and Wright.

Remagine Rosehill has been funded by Britain’s Energy Coast, Copeland Community Fund, Coastal Communities Fund, The Linbury Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, WREN’s FCC Community Action Fund, the J Paul Getty Jr Charitable Trust, and other individual donators.

The second phase, which is dependent on future funding, will centre on revamping the neighbouring barn and introducing a courtyard theatre.