Demolition work is underway at a historic theatre in Perth.

A three-storey extension will be fitted to the B-listed Perth Theatre as part of the £14.8 million Transform Perth Theatre project.

Features include new foyer space, a restaurant, bars, a new 200-seat studio theatre, a community room and a lift to all floors.

The Edwardian building's original auditorium wall will be exposed as part of the demolitions, which will be retained as a feature of the redeveloped space.

The overall restoration project is being carried out by contractors Robertson Tayside and hub East Central Scotland.

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Features such as walls, plasterwork, seating, flooring and lighting will be repaired/replaced, while the original decorative interior of the theatre will be replicated.

Other elements of the scheme include reinstating the upper circle 'gods' and creating a new orchestra area.

Magnus Linklater, chair of Horsecross Arts, the creative organisation behind Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre, said: "We are delighted to see work starting on our new theatre. The demolition work at the back of the building has begun — and it is here that our exciting new premises, with space for community programmes, as well as our new studio theatre, will emerge.

"The much-loved auditorium will, of course, remain, and will be completely refurbished, with the upper circle, which has remained unused for so long, brought back to life."

The project is due to be completed in 2017.

(LM)