A top music organisation has confirmed it has taken over the 114-year-old Opera House in Boscombe.

The Academy Music Group (AMG) has taken over the lease for the Grade II listed building – which from September will be the 02 Academy Bournemouth.

The Opera House recently had a £1.2m revamp and has been entertaining people since opening as The Grand Theatre in 1895 with a musical version of Robinson Crusoe.

“The venue is beautiful and it’s in great condition,” said AMG’s Chief Executive Officer John Northcote.

“We’re looking forward to making some minor operational improvements, but primarily bringing the same vibrant diary of live acts and club events that people expect from AMG.”

The firm praised The Opera House’s grand arched stage, art-deco styling and ornate steelwork.

The Echo revealed in February that the thriving music venue was in talks with a buyer.

“We are delighted negotiations have come to a conclusion,” said Sue Hyder, financial controller for Bournemouth-based Arnewood Estates, which has owned The Opera House since 1946.

“We feel AMG will really put it the map. It’s a beautiful building and I’m sure AMG took one look at it and thought they should add it to their portfolio.”

The company felt it was better to have a specialist in control of the lease rather than continuing to operate the venue itself through a group member, FJB Hotels.

AMG operates venues across the country and its marquee site, and biggest venue, is the 4,921 capacity Brixton Academy in London.

The company said the 1,925 capacity Opera House will host around 150 events a year and it will continue the recent diversification of acts after years as a specialist dance music venue.

Recent and future events show the new mix: kick boxing, Pete Doherty, a Bournemouth University Fashion show, Dizzee Rascal, Carl Cox and Florence and The Machine.

Last year it was named club of the year in the Echo-backed Best Bar None awards.

The Opera House has operated under many names over the years as a theatre, circus, dance hall, ballroom and discotheque.

It was called The Academy during the 1980s and was named club of the year in 1986, ‘87 and ‘88.

After entrepreneur Richard Carr took over the lease in 1995 it became home to the Slinky club night.