POOLE'S Lighthouse Theatre is set to reopen for the Autumn season following the completion of phase one of its £5.3million makeover.

These initial works, including improvements to the art venue's cinema sound insulation and the creation of a new lobby between the cinema and studio theatre, started in late July.

Lighthouse chief executive Elspeth McBain said: "Most of the first phase changes won't be seen by our audiences, but they are absolutely vital to the continuing success of this landmark building and what goes on inside it.

"We are striving to create a building that works as it can do and make it sustainable for the next 15 years."

The £116,000 summer phase has been carried out by Poole-based construction specialists Stepnell.

This first phase also included installation of new concert hall and theatre sound & lighting equipment, and the renovation of both stages. The concert hall choir seats have been improved and a range of technical, electronic and mechanical upgrades have been carried out to the lifts, office system and induction hearing loop.

Ms McBain said: "After more than 35 years of delivering an outstanding cultural provision of live performance to Poole and Dorset our ambitions for Lighthouse are high.

"We are proud to be custodians of this iconic building that offers such an extraordinary resource to our community and we want to look after it well, making sure we can continue to bring some of the best and most creative artists to Poole, presented in a world class venue, with an inspiring and innovative learning and participation programme."

All phases of the renovation are due to be completely finished by Autumn 2016.