The Grand Opera House in Belfast is temporarily closed to the public until October to allow the final phase of the £9.5m extension project, which started in April 2005, to be completed.

Although the exterior of the building will not change, a “contemporary but complimentary” L-shaped extension will provide an education suite comprising a 150-seat theatre and dedicated foyer for performances, workshops, master-classes, rehearsal space and conferencing.

Changes to the actual auditorium will be minimal, apart from the replacement of the stage and the installation of a new management system.

Improved backstage facilities will provide more space to accommodate large-scale productions as well as and extended accommodation for visiting companies, including dressing rooms for up to 100 people and a band room for up to 60 musicians.

New public areas will include foyers, bars, a café/bistro and function rooms.

Gilbert Ash & Vaughan Engineering are carrying out the construction and Barry Pritchard and Jonathan Williams of the Arts Team are the project architects. E.C. Harris is project manager. Details: www.goh.co.uk