THE Lighthouse Theatre and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) are looking ahead to the Poole venue's eagerly-anticipated £5.3 million makeover.

Improvements at Lighthouse, Poole, will be carried out in the concert hall and studio theatre and also include backstage facilities and function rooms, lighting and PA technology, it has been announced.

Work will be completed in phases, with phase one scheduled to start this summer.

This follows the news that Kirill Karabits has renewed his contract with the BSO as chief conductor - a popular move said to have delighted theatre staff.

Lighthouse chief executive Elspeth McBain said: "Over the next three years there is much to look forward to as the orchestra celebrates its 125th anniversary and Lighthouse celebrates 40 years as the region's major cultural provider with a significant capital programme to refresh and enhance our facilities.

"Lighthouse was conceived as the most modern concert hall and innovative theatre of its time. With significant investment by the Arts Council and Borough of Poole, Lighthouse will, some 40 years on, continue to provide a world class venue for a world class orchestra."

Last year Lighthouse was awarded £3.88million from Arts Council England, which - along with £650,000 from Borough of Poole - will help bankroll the improvements.

As part of the planned works, air cooling will be introduced in the concert hall and a new green room will be built backstage. The dressing rooms will also be updated with new shower and toilet facilities.

Welcoming the improvements, BSO chief executive Dougie Scarfe said: "We are delighted that the planned refurbishments to Lighthouse will have real benefits for audiences and artists alike.

"As our home, Lighthouse plays a key role as we create and perform our work, work which is them enjoyed by BSO's loyal audiences in over 40 towns, villages and cities across the region each year, as well as nationally and internationally through broadcasts and recordings.

"Great credit must go to Arts Council England and Borough of Poole for their very significant support of this excellent project."