Newcastle's Theatre Royal is set to undergo a major multi-million pound restoration scheme under plans due to go before the local authority on 21 April.

Newcastle City Council's (NCC) executive will be asked to back a loan of £4.8m under its capital programme to help rejuvenate the historic Grade I-listed venue. Funding will go towards restoring the building's exterior, which is set to incorporate Frank Matcham's original 1901 designs, while new seating will be installed in the auditorium.

A ventilation and air conditioning system; sympathetic decoration and improved technical equipment in the front-of-house areas are also planned as part of the scheme. The Theatre Royal Trust is anticipated to repay the NCC loan over a ten-year period, with work expected to be completed by 2011 in preparation for the venue's 175th anniversary in 2012.

It is also hoped that Heritage Lottery Funding can be secured to ensure the Theatre Royal's external stonework of the portico can be repaired and lighting improved. NCC executive member for resources Peter Allen said: "The Theatre Royal has been enjoyed by theatre goers of all ages over the years but this restoration work, incorporating Frank Matcham's original designs, will bring the building up to date and ready for a new generation."