The Belgrade Theatre in Coventry has been rescheduled to open in September 2007, rather than this December, following construction delays in its revamp.

The theatre closed in February this year for the development of a seven-storey extension to accommodate a new 250-seat auditorium.

Project director, David Beidas, said: “The contractors have encountered various unanticipated problems in joining the new extension with the original 1950s listed building. The existing theatre hasn’t been easy to work with and its grade II listed status means that they’ve had to take very careful precautions every step of the way.”

The theatre has announced that the main construction element of the project will be completed by spring 2007, followed by the installation of a new ventilation system in the main house and a complete refit of the second auditorium.

David Burbidge, chair of the Belgrade board, added: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Belgrade and I am certain that it will be worth waiting a few more months to ensure that we finish the project with a fantastic new landmark building capable of providing quality theatre for the people of Coventry and Warwickshire for years to come.” Details: www.belgrade.co.uk