The Grand Theatre is going to get an $8 million facelift, thanks to government grants and private donations.
Officials took the wraps off the renovation plans on Thursday.
The plans include upgrades to the lobby, better bars, and more washrooms. There will also be expansions of the wardrobe and props departments, upgrades to sound and lighting systems, and a re-design of the box office. The work will begin when the Grand's season finishes in May of 2020. It's expected the renovations will be completed by October 2020.
“As the Grand Theatre remains focussed on its mission of being World Curious and London Proud, audience attendance continues to increase," Grand Theatre executive director Deb Harvey said in a statement released Thursday. "Our current lobby is over 40 years old and it is time that we build on the magnificent work being done on our stages with an audience experience that is equally exciting. We want our audiences to be surprised and inspired from the moment they walk through the doors.”
Funding for the renovations is coming from the City of London, the federal government, and private donors.
“The Grand Theatre plays a critical role in the cultural fabric of London. As London continues to grow and businesses look to attract and keep engaged employees, the Grand is one of those gems that we can point to as a reason to move to London, to stay in London, and to enjoy London," Mayor Ed Holder said. "The City of London is pleased to be a key funding partner in this much-needed renovation and we can’t wait to see and experience the results next October.”
With the private donations that are making the renovations possible, the Grand Theatre also announced some changes to the names of some of its spaces. The fourth floor Poster Lounge will now be known as the Drewlo Lounge, the box office will carry the names of Karen and Eric Auzins, while the McManus Theatre will become the Auburn Developments Theatre and the lobby will be known as the TerraCorp Lounge.
