IT’S third time lucky for Darlington Civic Theatre after it was confirmed this morning (Wednesday) that the Edwardian venue has been granted £5m for major renovations.

The vital grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) mean ambitious plans to revamp and restore the historic theatre so it can compete with other North-East venues can go ahead.

The news has been hailed by senior members of the theatre management who said the grant would put the venue on the “threshold of a new era”.

Having twice being turned down for the competitive national funding scheme, the HLF has now confirmed that Darlington Borough Council has received stage one support for its £5m bid.

In total, £8m is expected to be spent on renovating the Civic Theatre – often referred to as the jewel in Darlington’s crown – with the proceeds from a £1 restoration levy added to ticket prices last year contributing to the extra funding.

The HLF grant for the Civic Theatre comes weeks after children’s theatre company Theatre Hullabaloo was awarded £1.5m from the Arts Council to create a bespoke children’s theatre in a former fire station to the rear of the theatre building.

The news was welcomed by theatre director Lynda Winstanley, who said: “This is incredible news and will help us to ensure this well-loved venue can meet the expectations of modern audiences and touring theatre companies.

“The theatre stands on the threshold of a new era; this is a unique opportunity.”

Among the proposals to bring the Civic Theatre into the 21st Century while retaining its historic charms are plans to restore the exterior of the Grade II-listed building; the creation of a new bar in the former water tower, improved seating and better disabled access.

A new education centre and a gallery area are also included in the proposals, as well as improvements to the backstage areas to enable the theatre to accommodate larger touring companies and more elaborate stage sets.

Ivor Crowther, head of HLF North East, said the proposals were impressive and added: “For over a century people have flocked to the historic Darlington Civic Theatre to enjoy memorable evenings of entertainment.

“It will be a great opportunity to share stories of the many colourful characters who walked the boards here and brought a little bit of magic into people’s everyday lives.”

Councillor Nick Wallis, the council’s cabinet member for leisure, said: “The investment is the biggest in the theatre’s history since it opened its doors in 1907.

“We’re committed to making Darlington a place where the arts matter – through this HLF grant we’re well on the way to delivering this.”

The first round support for funding from the HLF means that it has endorsed outline proposals and earmarked funding for its chosen schemes.

Detailed proposals will be considered in the second stage and, as long as plans have progressed to the HLF’s satisfaction and follow the original proposals, the funding is confirmed.

Building work is expected to begin in summer 2016.