Portsmouth's New Theatre Royal (NTR) has secured £939,000 of funding towards a repair and restoration project at the Grade II*-listed venue from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The grant will support a scheme first launched after a fire at the property in 1972, with plans including an overhaul of the stage house, orchestra pit and access facilities.

A new Creative Learning Centre to be used by local groups and organisation also features as part of the proposals, in addition to the creation of new volunteer opportunities.

John Craven, vice-chancellor of the University of Portsmouth, said: "The Heritage Lottery Fund has recognised the importance of restoring the New Theatre Royal as a major historic building."

Stuart McLeod, head of the HLF South East, added: "This wonderful historic building is one of the city's greatest cultural and architectural assets, and now it can be developed and put to use for the benefit of the local community."