Construction is now underway on an £11.5m project to create a dramatic new entrance at Glasgow's Theatre Royal and provide more public space at the venue.

Earlier this year the Café Royal wing of the theatre was demolished and foundations have now been laid for the oval-shaped entrance, which will include bars, a box office, cloakrooms, toilet facilities and hospitality suites.

Lifts will also be installed for the first time to improve access to all areas of the theatre.

Scottish cabinet secretary for culture and external affairs, Fiona Hyslop, said: "The Theatre Royal is a beautiful building and one of our nation's major cultural assets. However, it was built in Victorian times and needs updating to meet modern needs."

Construction is expected to last until May 2014 - before the city's Commonwealth Games - but the theatre will only close for three months over that period.

Scottish Opera, which owns the theatre, has led the campaign to raise funding, with more than 90 per cent already secured.

The Scottish Government has contributed £4m and further support has been received from Creative Scotland, Glasgow City Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and other UK trusts and foundations.