Work has started on the construction of a new temporary purpose-built theatre in a car park.

The struts are already in place and the frame is taking shape as work began this week on the new Orchard West, in Hythe Street, Dartford.

The 1,000 seater venue is being hastily built after The Orchard Theatre in Home Gardens, Dartford was forced to close for one year in September.

It follows the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in its roof which will cost £7million to put right.

Dartford council and Trafalgar Theatres, the operator of the venue, confirmed the initial stages of erecting the stage structure had commenced earlier this week and will be followed by the construction of the auditorium next week.

The seating arrangement includes front-row, flat floor seats and a raised platform, offering excellent views of the stage.

It also provides comfortable seating for all theatregoers and facilities for those guests with disability and accessibility requirements.

Landlord of The Stage Door pub Paul Lynskey is delighted at the erection of the new building, which is directly opposite his boozer.

Paul was left fearful the closure of The Orchard Theatre back in September would be the “final nail in the coffin” for his business.

The pub relies heavily on takings from the footfall the theatre brings to the town.

But now he has told KentOnline he is “overjoyed” to be seeing the initial structure of the temporary replacement put in place.

“We have definitely been seeing the effects of the theatre closing,” he said.

“I’m made up about there being a new theatre and the location couldn’t be better.

“I’d be quite happy for them to keep it there for good.”

The new theatre is due to be completed in time for the first production to take to the stage which will be the town’s annual pantomime.

Beauty and the Beast starring EastEnders actress Shona McGarty opens on December 9 and runs until December 31.