Renowned musical theatre composer Andrew Lloyd Webber has marked the topping out of a new £10m arts complex being built overlooking the River Clyde in Greenock, Scotland.

The LDN Architects-designed Beacon Arts Centre is on course to open this summer and is to replace Greenock Arts Guild Theatre, which has been operating for more than 60 years.

Part of the wider regeneration of industrial land along the Inverclyde waterfront, facilities at the new venue will include a 500-seat main auditorium and a 130-seat studio theatre.

Three large rehearsal rooms and a bistro overlooking the river will also be included as part of Beacon Arts Centre, which is being delivered by Graham Construction.

Last summer, the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation announced a £100,000 grant towards the project, which is also being funded by Greenock Arts Guild and Creative Scotland.

Other partners include Inverclyde Council; Riverside Inverclyde; and the Big Lottery Fund, with a youth theatre providing opportunities for disadvantaged young people also planned.

Greenock Arts Guild chair Elliott McKelvie said: "We are now at the final stages of fulfilling our vision for a vibrant, inclusive focal point for arts activities in Inverclyde and beyond."

Madeleine Lloyd Webber, trustee of The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation said: "The Youth Theatre project at the Beacon Arts Centre aims to provide the young people in this area an outlet for self expression and to encourage life skills using theatre practices."

Michael Graham, executive chair of Graham Group, said: "The building is really taking shape and, standing in the auditorium looking at the stage, it is clear to see The Beacon will be a spectacular venue for Greenock Arts Guild and the people of Inverclyde."

Details: www.artsguildtheatre.co.uk