Up to £1.8 million is being invested by Belfast City Council towards refurbishing the Strand Arts Centre in the city.

Plans have been developed by architects Hall Black Douglas to redevelop the 83-year-old building, which is physically deteriorating, has limited disabled access and inadequate facilities to meet the demand for its activities.

The scheme will provide east Belfast with a dedicated arts venue, with arts and community facilities to match those available across the rest of the city, while work will also preserve the building and highlight its distinctive art deco style.

Northern Irish actor Jamie Dornan has also thrown his support behind the project and joined Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Hargey, during a recent visit to the venue.

The Fifty Shades star said: "We are so fortunate to still have this jewel in east Belfast. It is such an iconic building and has a special place in my heart. I have fond memories of coming here as a child and I'm delighted to see it has evolved to provide even more.

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"It is vital to have somewhere like this that encourages people to engage in all types of arts and culture, especially in the east. There is so much creativity and skill here, and we must do everything to encourage and develop that, as well as allowing people to continue to enjoy theatre, music, and cinema throughout their live."

Lord Mayor Councillor Deirdre Hargey said: "We're delighted to be investing £1.8m in the regeneration of this much loved, iconic building and venue. Our funding is part of the £28.2 million Belfast Investment Programme to develop or regenerate facilities citywide for people who live in, invest in or visit Belfast – and we're encouraging private and public sector partners to co-invest. It's so important that we cherish, celebrate, use and enjoy The Strand, as NI's last remaining art deco cinema.

"Our investment will help to make the arts centre more accessible, create flexible spaces for live arts performances, cinema, educational and skills development, heritage tours and a café bar area. I'm hoping that many more children and young people will be inspired to follow in Jamie Dornan's footsteps at drama and creative classes here – and that we'll be watching lots more local faces like his on the silver screen in years to come."

(LM/CM)