Leeds Grand's magnificent original features, including decorated ceilings in the auditorium were painstakingly revamped and cleaned and new oak floors, better seats, new lighting and the acoustics in the auditorium were improved during the project's first phase.

It was closed for a year to allow the work to take place before it re-opened last year. This time around, the theatre is expected to stay open throughout the facelift.

The final stage will see public areas restored, including the frontage of the building, with its ornate gothic facade, and the entrance area and foyers.

The Assembly Rooms, opened in 1879 and used as a venue for meetings, bazaars and concerts, will also be refurbished and brought back into full public use, both as a rehearsal space for Opera North and for performance and educational purposes

Work on the final stage is due to start on September 17 at a cost of £10.5m and will be completed in September 2008 following approval from Leeds Council chiefs.

Cash for the project has come from a number of sources including £2.2m from the Arts Council and £995,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

John Procter, council executive board member for leisure, said the renovations would enhance the Grand Theatre's atmosphere for stage performances.

The Grand, built in 1878 at a cost of £62,000, was designed during a backlash against the so-called "common" entertainment of the music halls.

The £23m first phase of the Grand's restoration saw major improvements made to performance areas and to the comfort of theatregoers during shows. It also provided a permanent home for Opera North.

Revamping the theatre was a long-held dream and as well as restoring existing features, modern touches were also added during the first stage of the work.

A £750,000 hydraulic lorry lift means a massive articulated vehicle carrying scenery can now be carried upwards at the touch of a button. Previously, large sets had to be winched two floors up from the street outside to the stage.

The sets can then be unloaded directly into the back of the stage or on to a bridge connecting the theatre with Opera North's new headquarters and rehearsal rooms.

New rehearsal rooms were also created and a major overhaul of the theatre's electrical and mechanical systems has provided more eco-friendly heating and air cooling systems.

New seats in the stalls have improved sight lines, provided deeper leg room and wider seats and also incorporated special memory
foam which moulds to body shape.

For more information on the theatre's renovation and its fundraising, visit www.
transformationatleeds.co.uk