One of the most famous names in the Sussex building industry is about to complete two major projects at Glyndebourne opera house.

The topping-out ceremony for a second rehearsal studio takes place this week while work is nearing completion on new toilets for the opera house's restaurant.

Crawley-based Longley, which is now a division of Kier Group, started the projects in October last year and, despite delays caused by bad weather, will be off the site before the new season at Glyndbourne which starts at the end of next month.

Longley has a 140-year history const-ructing and restoring some of the most prestigious buildings in the South-East, including Hampton Court, the award-winning Millennium Seed Bank at Wakehurst Place and Chelsea Village.

It is also responsible for the major renovation and restoration under way at Newhaven Fort.

Last year, the firm went out of business with the loss of more than 200 jobs following a down-turn in the construction industry and three years of poor trading. But the Longley name and key personnel were taken on by Kier.

General manager of the firm is Graham Todd, who has been with Longley since 1963.

He said the firm's reputation earned over more than 140 years meant its good name was able to attract high-quality projects. Mr Todd added: "I feel very proud when I look at some of the top projects Longley has been involved in over the years.

"It was a very sad time for everyone in the company when it went out of business but, such was our reputation for quality and reliability, our name was one of our biggest assets and was quickly acquired by Kier, along with some of the workforce.

"Longley is now back building in Sussex and Surrey.

"With a team of experienced Longley managers and the strength of the Kier Group behind us, we can provide clients and their building professionals with a tech-nically-competent service covering most sectors and values of work.

"I have been particularly pleased by the support and encouragement from local building professionals and many the repeat-business customers who see us as having the skills and culture of old Longley coupled with the support and strength of Kier."

The opera house has had a long relationship with the building firm.

Eric Gabriel, project manager at Glyndebourne, said: "The old James Longley completed a number of projects for us, including a new scenery store and the refurbishment of the old dressing room block.

"On the strength of this good experience, we have entrusted Longley-Kier with the detailed design and building of the new Jerwood studio, alongside the old rehearsal stage."

Mr Gabriel paid tribute to the builders' ability to finish its work on time.

"Despite the very bad weather through the winter, the building is nearing completion within the time window available for its construction work, " he said.