THE stage is set for a transformation of the Octagon Theatre which has secured £4.3 million funding.

The Arts Council England has revealed the acclaimed Bolton theatre has been successful in the latest round of large capital grants scheme.

The money will allow it to move ahead with “exciting plans” to modernise the existing building.

The Octagon will receive an initial grant of around £430,000 to support development work and the remaining £3.87 million will be handed over after design and business plans have been submitted and approved.

Roddy Gauld, Chief Executive of the Octagon Theatre, said: “We are thrilled that the Arts Council has chosen to invest in the Octagon and in Bolton.

"On top of the outstanding support from Bolton Council, this funding pledge means we can now plan confidently for a major transformation of the building.

"The theatre turns 50 in 2017 and we are determined to mark this milestone by laying the foundations for another bright and prosperous fifty years."

Ambitious plans for the Octagon, announced in January of last year, focus on modernising and enlarging the building, improving accessibility and accommodation for the theatre’s on and off-stage theatre projects, including its work with young people.

The Arts Council allocation follows an initial £2m pledged by Bolton Council.

Cllr Cliff Morris said: “We are delighted that the Arts Council has recognised the importance of the Octagon, which is a jewel in the crown of Bolton and one of the most popular and successful regional theatres in the UK.

“We look forward to working with the Octagon to support them in the improvement and expansion of the building and to introduce even more people to world class theatre, made in Bolton.”

The plans were revealed after the theatre worked with architectural teams Austin Smith Lord and Helm Architecture.

As the project has an estimated cost of approximately £10m there will be a fundraising campaign led by the Octagon Theatre, a registered charity.

The Octagon will soon begin a detailed planning process involving a design team of architects and specialist consultants, and there will be public consultation on the proposals.

Theatre bosses say the project “is motivated by a desire to safeguard the Octagon for future generations, making it more environmentally sustainable, financially efficient, and allow for greater artistic and technological innovation”.

Alison Clark, Director North, Arts Council England said: “We are delighted to be able to support the Octagon’s exciting development plans which will significantly improve the range and quality of the services they can offer to their communities.”

The venue, in Howell Croft South, was opened in 1967 at a cost of £95,000.

The the Octagon building is expected to close for ten months in mid-2018 and re-open in spring 2019 for the work to be carried out.

During this time, the theatre, which will remain open and active as an organisation, says it will take the opportunity to engage with new and existing audiences by operating in different spaces around Bolton.