Glimpse at sleek new look for Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

The venue has revealed plans to completely revamp the front of house areas and the makeover will be unveiled during a grand opening next autumn.

Theatre bosses had already announced a scheme to refurbish the stalls bar and foyer and now the board has decided to extend the works across the entire front of house area in one big project.

Funding of £400,000 has already been secured and in September the Grand will launch a fundraising campaign to raise the rest of the money for the works, hoping to at least match the funding it already has in the bank.

The new Encore Lounge will maximise the use of space, providing more seating and creating a small stage for extra performances such as comedy and live music.

Chief executive Adrian Jackson said it was an exciting time for the theatre.

He said: "I am delighted we are able to extend our refurbishment project to include the whole front of house area.

"Enhancing the theatre in this way will greatly improve the customer experience and will ensure the Grand not only continues as a celebrated theatre venue, but also becomes a popular daytime and early evening destination for socialising and intimate performance within the heart of the city centre."

The work will take place during the Grand's annual summer dark period – the time when the theatre closes – in 2016 and will therefore not affect the line-up of entertainment in the planned season. The new project will be funded jointly by the Black Country and Wolverhampton LEP and the Grand Theatre.

Project manager Spencer Duvall and designer Grant Bushell have finalised plans for the stalls foyer and the Encore Lounge, previously the stalls bar, and they will continue to work on the extended project in the coming months.

Mr Jackson added: "This project is part of our strategic business strategy, which in light of the councils recent announcement regarding reductions in the theatre grant funding is even more imperative for the theatre. Investment now will increase our income potential in the longer term. The next 12 months are going to be extremely exciting for the theatre and we look forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy our varied line up of entertainment. We hope as many people as possible will contribute to the continuing history of our wonderful theatre."

The theatre is also looking for corporate sponsors to support the refurbishment. As well as the revamp of the Grand, plans to redevelop Wolverhampton's Civic Halls have also been formally lodged. The city council has submitted an application for the £10.4m facelift of the Civic and Wulfrun Halls.

It will see an increased capacity at both venues as well as new toilets and bars. The halls will be able to accommodate a combined 5,000 people once the work, set to start early next year and scheduled to be completed by mid-2017, is done. International property and construction consultancy company, Gleeds, has been appointed to project manage the works on the Grade II-listed venues.

Under the plans, the Civic Hall will be given a second balcony – increasing capacity by 600, while the Wulfrun Hall will also get a balcony to boost its numbers by 200.

Access arrangements for disabled visitors will also be upgraded as part of the revamp.