A £5m redevelopment plan will see a community centre in Aberdeen provided with a revamped children’s theatre, upgrading an important facility which had previously fallen into disrepair.

Arts Centre and Theatre (ACT) Aberdeen is to approach organisations including Creative Scotland to help fund the project.

The refurbishment will be phased and includes plans to redevelop the existing cafe/bar and install a new retail space.

Paula Gibson, executive manager of ACT, said the initial focus would be on the children’s theatre, which could be finished by 2014.

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She said: "The people that come to us see it as their second home. But the children’s theatre itself is becoming less attractive and therefore not so much activity happens in it."

The plans will also provide the centre with new toilet facilities and disabled access. Work will begin on backstage areas when the children’s theatre has been finished.

Oil and gas group Total is backing the project financially, while ACT has launched a restoration fund through which patrons can choose to donate £1 per ticket every time they book a show.

Ms Gibson added: "It’s a very supportive, positive thing that the public can engage in and actually feel they are contributing towards the development of the centre."

ACT also recently unveiled its new name and logo along with a re-carpeted and repainted 350-seat auditorium. A team of volunteers works in the cafe/bar and box office.

(IT)