THE CIRCLE seating of the Regent Centre has reopened after being out of action for two months - but more repairs are needed to provide a permanent fix.

The "temporary support work" was completed last week and the circle is now available for upcoming events.

The latest structural repairs carried out at the theatre by council engineers added a new supporting prop to the circle.

They also added steel reinforced concrete to the base of one of the main columns supporting the theatre's balcony in a bid to strengthen it.

However, Christchurch Borough Council confirmed more work is needed to fully repair the Regent.

Mark Evans, property team leader at Christchurch and East Dorset Councils, said: “It is hoped the next phase of work will be undertaken Winter 2017.

"The next phase will include a new load-bearing scaffold arrangement.

"This phase of work will have minimal impact on the Regent Centre schedule and will be worked around the existing programme.

More serious repair works are currently being planned and discussed by the council and the Regent Centre.

These works are to be carried out next year.

“The final phase of the works is expected to be undertaken in the Summer 2018," Mr Evans said.

"This work will include the full repair of all structural steelwork on the south side of the building, new weather protective cladding and the removal of all previous temporary installations.

"The council is liaising with the Regent Centre over these works in order to support a reduced programme of events during this period.”

The structural issues at the theatre were first discovered in July while the bar area was being renovated.

Following an investigation and full structural report, the council decided to implement the temporary support measures while a timetable for carrying out the full repair works were compiled.