Construction work has begun on Glasgow's Theatre Royal as part of an £11.5m project.

The project aims to create a world-class venue at one of Scotland's most historic theatres.

Earlier this year, the Café Royal 'wing' of the building was demolished and now foundations have been laid for the new addition to the existing theatre.

The oval-shaped addition will begin to emerge from the ground over the next few weeks, and when completed, will provide a new entrance on the corner of Cowcaddens Road and Hope Street.

It will also provide new foyers and accommodate new bars, a box office, cloakrooms, toilet facilities and hospitality suites.

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In addition, the new building will enable lifts to be installed for the first time, significantly improving access to all levels of the theatre.

The Scottish Government has committed capital funding of £4m to the development.

Visiting the site, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop said: "The Theatre Royal is a beautiful building and one of our nation’s major cultural assets. However, it was built in Victorian times and needs updating to meet modern needs.

"This project - which is due to be completed by the Commonwealth Games in 2014 - will transform the Theatre, with the addition of a spacious new foyer and much improved public facilities ensuring it will be accessible to all. The creation of a new education suite and plans to open up the foyer for use during the day will also turn the Theatre into a fantastic cultural resource for Glasgow and Scotland as a whole."

Scottish Opera, which has owned the theatre since 1974, has been leading the campaign to raise the necessary funding to carry out the work.

(JP)