The design for the new Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury.

The go-ahead has been given for a £25.6million redevelopment of the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury.

More than 100 members of the public packed into the city's Guildhall on Thursday night to witness the historic moment as the council voted in favour of the project.

Only two councillors voted against, and one chose to abstain.

The project will see a new 1,200 seat state of the art auditorium with vastly improved acoustics and sightlines, along with a second, smaller performance space, built on the site of the existing Marlowe.

Video: Colin Carmichael, Canterbury City Council chief executive, talks about the plans.

Council leader Cllr John Gilbey was thrilled with the decision.

He said: "This great project will provide crucial jobs for local people at this difficult time, and once it is opened, the new theatre will act as the catalyst for much-needed regeneration in the local area.

"I am absolutely delighted that the council has now agreed to take this brave step that will benefit generations to come."

The current Marlowe will close this Sunday with a spectacular gala event on Sunday. Work on the new theatre will start in April and is expected to be completed by September 2011.