London's Southbank Centre has been confirmed as one of the 26 organisations across the country to receive funding through Arts Council England's (ACE) new capital programme.

The Southbank Centre has received £20m of the £114m being invested in the first round of the programme, which will go towards an extensive redevelopment of its multi-arts facilities such as the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

Other major beneficiaries of ACE grants include the National Theatre (£17.5m); Gateshead Council (£10m) to provide an annex to The Sage; and Chichester Festival Theatre (£12m).

Most of the 26 projects to benefit from funding will focus on a refurbishment or extension of existing buildings. It is the first new capital investment by ACE in nine years.

Each of the successful applicants will now be invited to complete a stage two bid within the next 18 months to show plans at a detailed stage of design and development.

ACE chief executive Alan Davey said: "The Arts Council hasn't run a capital programme since 2003 so we knew there was a real need to maintain and improve our existing arts and cultural buildings.

"That's why we've prioritised renovations and refurbishments across the country that deliver sustainability and resilience and ensure organisations have the right facilities and equipment to support and deliver their excellent work."

Details: www.artscouncil.org.uk

Image: Queen Elizabeth Hall, part of the Southbank Centre - Morgaine/flickr