IN the week that Darlington’s futuristic multi-million pound cinema threw open its doors for the first time, restoration work also began one of the town’s most historic leisure venues.

Hoardings have gone up around the 109-year-old Civic Theatre on Parkgate as contractors begin the long-awaited 17-month month process to make the theatre fit for modern shows and audiences.

An array of improvements will be made to the building during the £11m project, including the addition of a café-bar, new seating providing greater legroom and improved sightlines and better ventilation.

The two adjoining premises on Parkgate have been secured by Darlington council as part of the project, enabling the theatre to expand.

This will bring it up to 1,000-seat capacity which should attract larger shows to the venue.

Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for leisure is excited that the hoardings are up and work is beginning.He said: “This is a very visual sign that work has now started on this multi-million pound restoration.

“The curtain may be down for now but residents can rest assured that, behind the scenes, work is underway to transform this wonderful venue into an even bigger player on the regional theatre stage.

“Our team will keep everyone updated as work progresses and don’t forget, the show goes on with a range of shows at the Dolphin Centre.”

In addition to the Civic improvements, the restoration will be complemented by the creation of The Hullaballoon, funded by Arts Council England and Darlington Council.

This will be a flagship theatre for children offering opportunities for collaborative working with the Civic by staging events specifically for children, young people and families.

And although the building work is very much looking forward to the future, the Civic’s original Edwardian features will be restored and a heritage gallery will offer a permanent record of the theatre’s colourful history.

A further nod to the theatre’s past comes with it being renamed as the Darlington Hippodrome in relation to its original title of the New Hippodrome & Palace of Varieties when Signor Rino Pepi first opened it in September 1907.

The refurbishment works are being funded by the Heritage Lottery and proceeds from the theatre ticket levy.

The venue will reopen in autumn next year.