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Refurbishment of the Jersey Opera House is complete and negotiations around its lease are "coming to a conclusion", meaning that the historic building could reopen ahead of schedule.
The refurbished Opera House has seen its colour palette go from red to blue, and now includes 27 more seats than the old structure.
Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel said: "I think audiences can look forward to a much more enjoyable and comfortable experience in the Opera House.
"We've got 27 more seats, but more leg room in each of those seats, which makes it fantastic, particularly for those with longer legs."
Pictured: The venue's chandelier and dome have been restored and put back in place. (Dave Ferguson)
He added: "It's more accessible so it'll be easier for people who have accessibility issues to get into their seats, and also to access the building.
"So from the audience’s perspective, I think they're going to feel a lot happier in here."
The refurbished theatre also has improved green credentials with a new plant room and a new heating system replacing the former gas.
The venue also features two dance studios, as well as space for bars and, potentially, a restaurant.
Watch: Ashbe Construction's Ben Cairney gave a tour of the refurbishment works in autumn 2023.
Ashbe Construction was brought on board to completely refurbish the 652-seat venue and worked since September 2023 to bring the building up-to-date.
The Opera House has been closed since the Covid-19 pandemic, and its estimated reopening date has been gradually pushed back until autumn 2025.
But that timeline could now be brought forward, according to Deputy Morel.
"I know they talked about October, but we're in those discussions," he said.
"I'd like to bring that forward, if possible, but that does depend on the discussions we have."
Pictured: The refurbished auditorium has a new blue theme. (Dave Ferguson)
The refurb ended up costing £11.5 million.
Deputy Morel said that the estimated economic impact is "really important", but noted that "theatre is not just about the economic side of it".
"It's rooted in the community," he explained.
"We've got some amazing amateur clubs, whether it's dramatic clubs or dance clubs or the Eisteddfod or an incredible amateur competition – all of that will be going on here.
"I think that community element of islanders being able to perform here is hugely valuable, irrespective of the economic output."
Pictured: One of the two dance studios, which has a sprung floor. (Dave Ferguson)
He added: "Obviously the Opera House itself, with shows, can attract people to the island.
"If you're able to get a big name comedian, that becomes part of the tourist offering as well.
"So I see the the Opera House performing a really important role for islanders, a social role for islanders, but also having the potential to grow the economic side of things by attracting visitors to the island to see shows in Jersey."
Pictured: The Opera House could also host a bar or restaurant. (Dave Ferguson)
Performances are to include "everything that we've seen before this is to be rooted in Jersey's community", as well as any programming that the Opera House organisation put on.
"I'm just excited about getting it ready and now working through the final things to make sure it gets open as soon as possible," Deputy Morel said.
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