A UNIVERSITY is offering the chance to name its new bar after a generous donor – if they stump up £60,000.

Durham University has announced it is planning a £2.4m investment in one of the city’s historic theatres.

Once Durham’s first cinema, The Assembly Rooms will be undergoing a significant refurbishment to improve facilities and make it accessible to wheelchair users.

Quentin Sloper, the university’s director of Experience Durham, said: “The Assembly Rooms is a beacon of creativity and performance – not just for Durham students and staff, but for people across the city, county, region, and beyond. I’m delighted to announce this investment, which will make this popular and iconic local venue even better.

“This £2.4 million investment shows just how serious we are about ensuring that Durham University is market leading in student theatre.”

The university is also launching a £300,000 appeal which will pay for additional improvements to the building, including a café and bar area for patrons.

People can pay £500 for a seat and brass plaque, or up to £60,000 to name the new bar and cafe.

The theatre was built in 1869 and served as the city’s first cinema before being bought by Durham University in 1930.

The venue is home to Durham Student Theatre, made up of 26 different groups, and also hosts professional theatre companies, and a number of stand-up and sketch comedy groups.

The redevelopment will help to make parts of the 220-seat venue more accessible, restore the 150 year old theatre’s original ceiling, and refurbish its box office area.

The renovated playhouse will also include improvements to the workshop, dressing room, and toilet facilities.

Mr Sloper added: “We want to see the Assembly Rooms become an even better venue but we can’t do it all alone. That’s why we’re calling on local residents and generous supporters to give what they can so, together, we can maintain and improve this beautiful and historic venue.”

The university does not offer any drama or theatre courses but has theatrical alumni including Charlotte Riley, who stars in hit TV show Peaky Blinders and Alex McQueen, from comedy show The Inbetweeners.