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The first stage of a £11.5m refurbishment of the Opera House, which will include giving the iconic building a new glass façade, has received planning permission.
The Gloucester Street theatre has not opened since it was forced to close in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Last October, it was announced that the Grade 2-listed venue would remain closed until at least the end of next year after serious defects were discovered in its roof.
The £11.5m renovation cost – which will be met by taxpayers – was secured in this year’s Government Plan.
Now, the initial plans – which include improving fire safety, strengthening floors and replacing the glass front of the box office and dance studio – have been passed.
Wider plans for the site include repairing the auditorium’s dome, re-upholstering the seats, laying new carpets and improving disabled access.
Last October, a report commissioned by the Government set out a long-term future for the Opera House, which included the possibility of having resident arts companies, appointing an Executive Director on a salary of up to £100,000, and expanding into the public house next door.
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