Works are set to start soon as the major redevelopment of a historic east coast theatre progresses.

The vision for a £3m revamp of the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft is gathering pace with a contractor having been appointed to deliver the upgrade works.

Lowestoft Town Council, the Marina Theatre Trust and East Suffolk Council said The Input Group has been awarded the contract - which will see one of Suffolk’s leading venues for theatre, music and comedy "significantly upgraded."

It will see a new theatre entrance created within a new link building between the existing Victorian theatre and the more modern existing box office.

The new link building will incorporate a lift - giving access for all visitors to all floors of the theatre - new toilets and a relocated and expanded box office facility.

Mayor of Lowestoft, Cllr Nasima Begum, said: "I am delighted that a contractor has been appointed to deliver these works.

"The improvements will bring significant upgrades to the Marina Theatre."

Sam Vallerius, general manager of the Marina Theatre, said: "The Marina Theatre Trust are pleased to be moving forward with these plans that will improve the level of service we are able to offer our customers.

"The improvements, which were highlighted in an audience consultation, will see us become a more accessible and updated venue."

Sarah Whitelock, East Suffolk council’s cabinet member for Communities, Culture, Leisure and Tourism, said: “We are pleased to see these improvements progressing, which are funded through Lowestoft’s £24.9m allocation from the Government’s Towns Fund, secured by East Suffolk Council.

"These works will further enhance the theatre and increase access for everyone."

With the Marina Theatre Project a Lowestoft Town Council - as building owners -project, in partnership with the Marina Theatre Trust and East Suffolk Council with funding from UK Government’s Towns Fund, a town council spokesman said: "The project has an approximate budget of £3m with works starting immediately."

The works - which will not impact on the pantomime season when they will pause before resuming - are estimated to be completed in October 2025.