Work is underway to transform a West Cumbrian town’s former cinema into an arts, music and theatre venue.
The Carlton Cinema in Maryport is being revamped as part of the £12 million Government-funded regeneration of the town, carried out by Cumberland Council.
It will include a new extension to house the entrance, box office, bar, which has replaced a neighbouring derelict building.
The new single-storey structure will be clad with metal with a golden finish and also provide access to a new courtyard at the rear, the authority said.
Wheelchair and disabled access will be provided via a lift which will take visitors from pavement level to the new ground floor event space which will accommodate up to 280 people for events like concerts, while seated shows will be able to accommodate up to 180 in the audience.
A second lift inside the building will give access to the upper floors.
The first and second floors will become commercial space, which could be creative spaces or office accommodation, depending on the future tenants.
Other regeneration projects in the town centre include major work at Maryport Town Hall, shop front improvements, first floor properties brought back to life as accommodation, the opening of Shipping Brow Gallery.
A new home for the maritime museum in Christ Church is also nearing completion.
There is also a new event space and play area on the harbourside, a Promenade café is almost finished, and the Wave Centre has also been revamped and is now known as Maryport Activity Centre.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Mark Fryer, said: “This is the exciting next stage of the Carlton’s reinvention.
“The new entrance and box office takes the place of a derelict building which was an absolute blight on the town centre.
“Now we are building a bright new addition to the historic former cinema and it will really add to the streetscape in this part of town, as well as providing the practical things the building needs, like the box office and proper disabled access.
“The Carlton will be a destination to be proud of once more.”
The conversion is due to be completed later this year.
