A PLAN to redevelop the Citizens Theatre has secured a £4.8million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The cash will result in the conservation repair and expansion of one of Scotland’s oldest working theatres.

Work will protect the building for future generations and preserve the Victorian auditorium, its rare collection of original 19th century stage machinery and a unique example of a working paint frame.

The project will also explore and celebrate the cultural heritage of the building and the company, increase public engagement and ensure The Citz continues to make and deliver world class theatre for local, national and international audiences.

The redevelopment involves a radical reworking of the existing building to provide new learning spaces, rehearsal rooms and a 152 seat studio theatre.

It will also improve working conditions for staff and transform front of house spaces for greater use by audiences and the local community.

A heritage hub will be created on the theatre company’s website allowing people to share their stories about the Citz.

It will also provide volunteer opportunities and bring the work of the theatre to life through heritage projects.

Citizens Theatre executive director Judith Kilvington said: “This critical funding will allow us not only to preserve our Victorian theatre but also to tell stories which help to uncover and communicate the physical, architectural, social and cultural heritage of the Citizens theatre to many future generations of theatre goers, participants and visitors.

“With our increased heritage engagement plans, we will be able to attract new audiences and participants to the theatre and encourage a deeper level of engagement among our existing audiences by offering a variety of ways to explore the Citizens Theatre’s rich and multi-faceted heritage.

“Our redevelopment project is at the heart of the regeneration of the Gorbals and Laurieston and will create a vital cultural landmark and community hub for all the people who use the building.”

Lucy Casot, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said she was delighted to bring Christmas cheer to one of Scotland’s oldest and best loved theatres.

She added: “Thanks to players of the National Lottery, the Citizens Theatre will undergo a transformation which shines a light on its incredible Victorian heritage while providing the modern facilities expected today.”

In June next year, the theatre company will move out of the Category B listed building for two years but will continue its ground-breaking work at Tramway.