Bosses of a Grade II* listed theatre set to undergo a multimillion-pound refurbishment have reassured people it will be returned to its “original splendour”.
The Theatre Royal in New Road, Brighton, will be building and restoring much of its site, including replacing its historic facade from the 19th century.
Some people were concerned about what these changes would entail.
But John Baldock, theatre director for Theatre Royal Brighton, said: “As a Grade II* listed building, the facade will be replaced like for like and regain its original splendour.”
Theatre Royal Brighton, which is run by Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), faced criticism yesterday after staff at the Colonnade Bar next door claimed it plans to incorporate the 216-year-old pub into a new front-of-house area.
Mr Baldock said: “We want to use this opportunity to reassure everyone that there are no plans to close the Colonnade pub.
"We absolutely appreciate how important the pub is to the local community, a great many of our theatre customers, visiting companies and venue teams.
"We are undertaking a 12-month, multimillion-pound programme of building and restoration work on our Grade II* listed theatre, including replacing our historical facade.
"The Colonnade Pub is an integral part of the theatre, and of course the facade.
"We will be ensuring that any disruption that these major works will incur will be minimised.”
ATG declined to give any more details on the situation with the Colonnade Pub and said talks were ongoing.
Lyndon Brooker, 40, manager of the bar, said he feared it would be lost, adding: “That gorgeous little relic of a bygone era. The one that everyone tells us is precious, and they should never change.
“That pub that's listed in every Brighton tourist guide as a point of cultural and historical significance.
“The pub has got to go.”
Tributes flooded in from customers after news that it was facing threat of closure.
Pam Roach said: “Such a great place. You always get treated like an old friend even if you only pop in once in a blue moon, and one of my favourite places to take people when I’m showing them Brighton.”
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