PUBLIC performance will return to a distinctive arts venue next spring after multi-million building work was completed.

The public performance programme at the University of Sussex’s Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts will begin early next year following the end of an extensive refurbishment.

Award-winning architects R H Partnership Architects have worked with the university to transform the Grade II* listed theatre which has been closed for eight years into a “modern, flexible environment” that will host exhibitions, performance, teaching and research.

The space has been adapted to create a state-of-the-art 350-seat auditorium, extensive gallery and display areas designed for art and audio visual installations, rehearsal studios, breakout creativity zones, and a new café and bar - to be enjoyed by students, staff and the public.

The centre’s creative director Laura McDermott was appointed to the role in May and will officially take up her post in November.

The university said that the current co-director of Fierce Festival in Birmingham was already working on putting together a public performance programme for spring 2016 by making connections with a wide range of communities and arts organisations and was keen to give the venue “a year-round festival feel”.

The Sir Basil Spence designed venue has been renamed after former chancellor Lord Richard Attenborough and his family, including two of his sons who are former university alumni and his daughter Jane Holland and granddaughter Lucy, who were tragically killed in Thailand during the 2005 tsunami.

Both Lord Attenborough and son Michael, a respected theatre director, have had a major input into the new design.

As part of a planned opening ceremony for the venue, a portrait of the Brighton Rock star will be unveiled, made from the names of donors to The Sussex Fund.

Phillip Naylor, a director at RHP’s Brighton studio, said: “The work we’ve done on this beautiful listed building has helped transform it into a modern interdisciplinary arts hub fit for both public and performers.

“We’re not alone in looking forward to the re-opening of its doors, and to welcoming the masses to once again enjoy its unique charms.”