A major milestone has been marked in the redevelopment of a historic east coast theatre.

The vision for a £3m revamp of the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft is gathering pace with the demolition phase nearing completion.

Lowestoft Town Council, the Marina Theatre Trust and East Suffolk Council said significant progress had been made in its ongoing upgrade works.

Ongoing works at the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes. It will see a new theatre entrance created within a new link building between the existing Victorian theatre and the more modern existing box office.

The new link building will incorporate a lift - giving access for all visitors to all floors of the theatre - new toilets and a relocated and expanded box office facility.

Ground works have now been finished, paving the way for the installation of a steel-reinforced cage for the new lift, which will enhance accessibility for all theatre users.

With works ongoing, a temporary front of house area has been created alongside a temporary buggy store to ensure minimal disruption.

The Marina Theatre and its café remains open for business as usual in Lowestoft. Picture: 

The Marina Theatre and its café remains open for business as usual during this time.

The mayor of Lowestoft and town councillor Nasima Begum, said: "It is great to hear that the works on the Marina Theatre are progressing well.

"We appreciate the community's support and patience as we work with the Marina Theatre Trust and East Suffolk to improve the facilities."

Sam Vallerius, General Manager of the Marina Theatre said: "We would like to thank our loyal customers who have been so understanding and patient on their visits to us.

"We look forward to seeing the works progress as we move towards a closure period in the middle of June."

Cllr Sarah Whitelock, East Suffolk Council’s cabinet member for Communities, Culture, Leisure and Tourism said: "These improvements have been funded through Lowestoft’s £24.9m allocation from the Government’s Towns Fund, secured by East Suffolk Council and we are pleased to see them move towards the next stage."

The Marina Theatre Project is a Lowestoft Town Council scheme, in partnership with the Marina Theatre Trust and East Suffolk Council, with funding from UK Government’s Towns Fund.

It is owned by the town council.