By PHIL MILLER

THE £20m plan to revamp one of Scotland’s most famous theatres has received a £2.5m boost.

The Citizens Theatre has received the funds from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.

The revamp will see a major overhaul of the theatre, which is in Gorbals, and the most extensive in the B-listed building’s history.

The plan include new rehearsal, learning and studio space as well as bar and cafe facilities.

The total cost of the building redevelopment project is £20.8m and will begin in 2018, if the rest of the funding is secured.

The award of £2.5m from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund brings the total raised to date to £15.3m.

Judith Kilvington, executive director of the Citizens Theatre, said: “This award is a major milestone in the planning and fundraising for our building redevelopment and recognises the significant contribution to community regeneration at the heart of the project.

“The Citizens Theatre is essential to the vibrancy of the local Gorbals community and the redevelopment will act as a catalyst for further cultural and commercial development as well as playing a vital role in the well-being of our local communities.”

The project has also received £4m from Glasgow City Council, £4.9m from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and £1.5m from Creative Scotland.

The Citizens Theatre is a venue and theatre company based in the Gorbals area of Glasgow.

It has been one of Scotland’s flagship producing theatres since 1945.

A prominent Edinburgh arts venue has also secured a £650,000 grant for building improvements, ministers have announced.

The revamp of Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh will see masonry, windows, doors and the roof renovated.

The 194-year-old former Georgian church, which is the performance home of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, will receive £390,000 from the Scottish Government while Historic Environment Scotland will contribute £260,000.