The £11m redevelopment of the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry is underway and scheduled for completion by October 2006, in time for the pantomime season.

The revamp – which has been designed by London-based architects Stanton Williams – includes a seven-storey extension to create a second auditorium with flexible staging and 250-300 seats, as well as the refurbishment of the listed 1950s 850-capacity theatre.

The main contract for the £6.45m extension – which will also feature an outside terrace – has recently been awarded to Birmingham-based ISG InteriorExterior.

Funding for the scheme has come from Arts Council England, Coventry City Council, the European Regional Development Fund and Advantage West Midlands, with a further £1m being raised through a private sector campaign.

The theatre plans to stay open as long as possible during the redevelopment, with performances continuing until February 2006. Details: www. belgrade.co.uk