ORGANISERS of ambitious plans to revamp one of Scotland’s oldest and best-loved theatres have received an early Christmas present in the shape of a £4.8 million boost from the National Lottery.

The Citizens Theatre in Glasgow’s Gorbals – locally known as the “Citz” – is to undergo a £20m revamp which will see it closed from 2018 to the autumn of 2020.

It has now received the award needed from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to go ahead with the work.

Judith Kilvington, executive director of the Citizens Theatre, said: “We’re delighted we’ve received this significant support thanks to National Lottery players.

“This critical funding will allow us not only to preserve our Victorian theatre but also to tell stories which help to uncover and communicate the physical, architectural, social and cultural heritage of the Citizens Theatre to many future generations of theatre goers, participants, and visitors.

“With our increased heritage engagement plans, we will be able to attract new audiences and participants to the theatre for the first time and encourage a deeper level of engagement amongst our existing audiences by offering a variety of ways to explore the Citizens Theatre’s rich and multi-faceted heritage.”

She said the ambitious project would now push ahead leading to the building’s repair and conservation so it could be enjoyed for future generations while preserving its Victorian auditorium.

Also protected will be a rare collection of original 19th century stage machinery and a unique example of a working paint frame. The project will also explore and celebrate the fascinating social and cultural heritage of the building and the Company, increase public engagement and ensure ‘The Citz’, as it is affectionately known, continues to make and deliver world class theatre for the benefit of local, national and international audiences.

The redevelopment plan by architectural practice Bennetts Associates, is a radical reworking of the existing building to provide new learning spaces, rehearsal rooms and a 152-seat studio theatre.

It will also improve working conditions for staff and transform front-of-house spaces for greater use by audiences, participants and the local community.

The project will be underpinned by 12 creative heritage focused activities, including creating a heritage hub on the theatre company’s website; helping people to share their stories about the Citizens; providing volunteer opportunities; and bringing the work of the theatre to life through specially linked heritage productions, to wider audiences and visitors.

Ms Kilvington described the development as being at the heart of Gorbals’ and Lauriston community’s regeneration and a vital cultural landmark.

“Our redevelopment project is at the heart of the regeneration of the Gorbals and Laurieston and will create a vital cultural landmark and community hub for all the people who use the building.”

Lucy Casot, head of the HLF in Scotland, said: “We are delighted to bring Christmas cheer to one of Scotland’s oldest and best-loved theatres.

“Thanks to players of the National Lottery, the Citizens Theatre will undergo a transformation which shines a light on its incredible Victorian heritage while providing the modern facilities expected today. After 139 years of entertaining audiences, her future as one of the country’s outstanding production theatres is rosy.”

The theatre company moves out in June.