Liverpool City Council gets go ahead for Neptune Theatre revamp

Liverpool City Council has received consent from the Neptune Theatre’s landlord for its refurbishment.

The doors closed five years ago due to health and safety reasons but thanks to talks by the new leader of the council, builders could start within the month to upgrade the 97-year-old theatre to 21st century standards, with the curtain potentially rising on shows once again by summer next year.

Acquired by Liverpool Corporation in 1967 the Grade II listed theatre, which lies on Hanover Street in the city centre, closed in June 2005 with necessary works to be addressed in a refurbishment of the theatre.

Liverpool City Council had ring-fenced £700,000 to carry out the works which includes a complete overhaul of the electrics and making the venue accessible to disabled people. The theatre was due to open in time for the city's year as European Capital of Culture 2008 until a legal disagreement over the terms of the renewal of the council's lease stalled the job.

New Council Leader Joe Anderson had made the re-opening of the city centre theatre one of his priorities and has now personally resolved terms with the landlord, Mr David Ramsey, to ensure the redevelopment could begin.

The council estimates renovations to begin by the end of August. It will also be inviting expressions of interest from parties with appropriate experience to run and manage the theatre and hope to appoint an operator in the new-year.

Councillor Anderson said: ''It's been nothing short of a travesty for Liverpool that the Neptune Theatre has been in mothballs these past five years.

''The Neptune was a vital stepping stone in Liverpool's comedy and theatre land, providing countless people of all ages down the years with their first experience of performing at a major city centre venue.

''Until recently it was a much used venue for community groups across the city with a well established niche for comedy acts and its absence has been sorely felt by performers and audiences alike.

''I'm delighted we've been able to agree terms over building consent and can now forge ahead with bringing back to life one of our most important cultural jewels.''

As part of the agreement independent surveyors will now re-assess the length of the lease of Hanover House which Mr Ramsey has from the city council for the next 38 years.