The Royal Festival Hall (RFI) in London’s South Bank Centre will reopen to the public on 8 June.

The Grade I-listed auditorium has undergone a two-year redevelopment programme to upgrade its facilities and acoustics.

The fully restored 2,788-seat auditorium features the original Robin Day-designed seating, now equipped with under-seat air conditioning and more legroom.

A new extension building accommodates the production facilities and staff quarters, releasing a further 35 per cent of space for public use.

The RFI is central to a large landscaped area featuring a public square and riverside terraces, which offer thirteen new restaurants, cafés and shops.

Architects Allies and Morrison corroborated with acousticians Kirkegaard Associates to design the redevelopment, which was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (£22m); Arts Council England (£25m); DCMS (£5m) and Mayor’s London Agencies (£7m), as well as donations from local partnerships and members of the audience. Details: www.rfh.org.uk

Photograph: The refurbished auditorium, courtesy of Richard Bryant at www.arcaid.co.uk