The £9.2m scheme will see a comprehensive refurbishment of the Leeds City Varieties Music Hall, which is one of the last remaining music halls.

The detailed designs and listed building consent submitted by the Strategic Design Alliance, Leeds City Council's in-house architectural design team, include restoration of the auditorium, improved stage and backstage facilities, improved access, additional ground floor foyer space, relocated box office and the provision of a lift.

The project has secured a proposed £3m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £5.2m from Leeds City Council and £1m from Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House, for which a fund-raising campaign will be launched.

Coun Andrew Carter, Leeds City Council leader and executive member for development and regeneration, said: "The City Varieties is a music hall for which there is huge affection right across the city of Leeds.

"It is one of the last remaining music halls in the country and as such plays an important life in the heritage of the city."

Coun John Procter, chair of the Leeds Grand Theatre Board, said: "The City Varieties plays an important part in Leeds's cultural history and it is an equally important part in our future. These plans take us a step closer in our quest to bring this jewel in the city's crown back to its former glory."

At the end of last year, Leeds City Council purchased The Swan, a pub underneath the music hall, to assist with implementation of the refurbishment proposals.

While physical alterations within The Swan will be limited, its acquisition will not only allow some of the key improvements to be delivered, it will also permit the historic link between the pub and the music hall to be re-established after over 100 years.

The pub will remain open as usual until required for the start of work on the City Varieties refurbishment in spring 2009. It will reopen in the summer of 2010.

Residents and interested parties can view the plans and the conservation report at the Development Enquiry Centre Leonardo Building, 2 Rossington Street, Leeds LS2 8HD.