A historic theatre currently undergoing improvement works will not open for another three years.

The Brook Theatre, in Chatham, temporarily closed in April and was originally planning on welcoming people back in 2025.

However, the improvements have taken longer than expected so the date has been pushed back a year. It will now reopen the following Autumn.

Once completed, the Grade II listed building will include new staging, lighting and sound equipment; better office and meeting spaces; upgraded rehearsal and dance studio spaces; improved dressing rooms for performers; new digital equipment and resources to support the creation of contemporary performance; enhanced main theatre and studio performance spaces; and new toilets and washing facilities.

There will also be better access across the building for the public, performers and staff, including disabled access at the entrance and to seating within the theatre.

The improvement works are being funded by the Future High Streets Fund, after Medway’s successful £9.5million bid was confirmed in January 2021, with £300,000 of the funding allocated to modernise and refurbish the iconic theatre.

Later that year, Medway Council was also awarded a total of £14.4 million from the government’s Levelling Up Fund (round 1 funding) to invest in three Chatham cultural regeneration projects, including £6.5 million on The Brook Theatre.

In 2016, the theatre also underwent an external facelift.

Cllr Harinder Mahil portfolio holder for heritage, culture and leisure, said: “The Brook Theatre has long been one of Medway’s most treasured assets and we want to ensure it continues to play its rightful role as an important part of our evening and weekend economy.

“Once refurbishment is finished The Brook will return as a cultural hub offering a fantastic programme of performances and workshops for everyone.

“While we’d hoped the theatre would return sooner, the level of structural work required and the extent of improvements mean we’ll have to wait a little longer, but The Brook Theatre will return better than ever.”