A £3 MILLION contract has been awarded to refurbish Redditch's 92-year-old theatre.

The restoration of the Palace Theatre, which was built in 1913, will include the removal of all the changes made when it was last restored in the 1970s, as well as the creation of a new foyer.

The work will be carried out by construction firm William Sapcote & Sons, which has extensive experience in the conservation of historic buildings.

Redditch Council spokesman Ken Watkins said: "The Sapcote team has demonstrated its understanding and knowledge of the sensitivities of a contract such as this with the balance between the elements of contemporary and heritage construction."

William Sapcote & Sons managing director, Richard Sapcote, said: "This project will present some unusual challenges.

"It will combine the careful restoration of a Grade II listed building complete with original features such as windows, light fixtures and decorations, while correcting the changes made 30 years ago and building a whole new foyer area."

He added: "This is an ideal contract for us as we've so much experience in the conservation of historic and listed buildings.

"When it's finished it will be one of the finest examples of Edwardian theatre architecture in the country."

The project is due to be completed in April.