THE £19.4million redevelopment of Glasgow’s Citizens Theatre has moved forward with Kier Construction confirmed as the preferred contractor to deliver the first stage of the project.

Work is due to start in September 2018 on the most comprehensive overhaul of the Victorian building since it opened as a theatre in 1878.

The venue in the Gorbals is owned by Glasgow City Council and leased to the Citizens Theatre Company for more than 70 years.

The Category B listed building will close in the summer and re-open in late 2020. Over the next two years Citizens Theatre Company will produce shows and provide learning activity at Tramway, Scotland Street School Museum and other venues throughout Scotland and beyond.

Above, how the theatre will look after the make-over, and, below, as it is now.

Judith Kilvington, executive director of Citizens Theatre, said: “This appointment marks the next phase in our redevelopment project. Kier has a wealth of experience in delivering theatre and heritage projects and it’s hugely exciting to be welcoming them to the team, led by architects Bennetts Associates, to realise our vision for the Citizens Theatre.

“Kier will work alongside Citizens Theatre and our design team in achieving the second stage tender and will then go on to carry out the required building work to overhaul our Victorian home –- alongside overseeing the demolition of our foyer and back offices to make way for a new wing, including a new studio theatre and learning spaces.

“Our new building has been redesigned to create level access for staff, participants and audiences members. When we re-open to the public they will easily be able to visit and view some of the best examples of theatre heritage in Europe.”

Brian McQuade, Kier Construction Scotland and North East managing director, said: “We’re delighted to restore, improve and protect the iconic Citizens Theatre. This builds on our solid record of working on major heritage projects, including The Mackintosh Building at Glasgow School of Art, Edinburgh College of Art, Aberdeen Music Hall and most recently, The Burrell Collection.

“As with all the work we carry out, we will provide jobs for the local community by working with our supply chain to offer a range of diverse employment and training opportunities throughout this exciting project.”

Nearly £18million in pledges has already been secured towards the redevelopment project from Creative Scotland, Glasgow City Council, Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Government (Culture Budget, Regeneration Capital Grant Fund and Historic Environment Scotland), The Robertson Trust and a variety of other trusts and individuals. The theatre’s ‘We Are Citizens’ public fundraising campaign is inspiring, engaging, and encouraging others to help raise a further £1.6million for the building redevelopment.