Theatre’s next transformation phase set for 2020

The next phase of £4.8m plans to transform Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre is set to start in 2020.The main stage auditorium and foyers have been re-opened following extensive work this summer ahead of phase two to link the café and first floor Burbidge Room which will begin next summer.The scheme at the Belgrade Theatre received funding from the government’s Local Growth Fund through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP).It is part of the Completing the Culture Capital project which was a £2.4m package of investment from the Local Growth Fund in key venues and production spaces.The theatre has secured the remaining money for its plans through Coventry City Council and the Department for Digital Culture, Media and Sport and is aiming to raise £600,000 from individuals, businesses and trusts by September 2020.Phase two involves creating a new self-contained café bar with a new staircase which will be open to theatre and non-theatre visitors outside normal opening hours and will replace the existing café bar and former restaurant.