A major facelift for Belfast's landmark Grand Opera House moved a step closer today after the council's planning committee supported its development plans.
They endorsed a recommendation by the Department of the Environment Planning Service that full planning permission be given for a £9 million sterling development to improve facilities at the Great Victoria Street building.
The development is aimed at improving front of house, backstage, and catering and bar facilities at Northern Ireland 's most famous theatre.
The planned changes include improved access and facilities for people with limited mobility; an education suite for all ages, comprising a 150-seat studio theatre and foyer that can be used for performances, workshops, master-classes and rehearsals; and new public areas, including foyers, bars, a café and function rooms.
There would also be improved backstage facilities and wings to provide more space for large-scale modern productions and air-cooling and improved ventilation in the auditorium.
Grand Opera House Trust chairman Mr James Hunt said the work would go ahead in March 2005. He said there would be little disruption to the theatre, apart from a closure of seven weeks in the summer of 2005 followed by an extended closure in the summer of 2006.
PA