East Belfast's Strand Arts Centre is set to close for over a year whilst it undergoes a £6.5 million restoration project.

The improvement works will stabilise Strand's future, preserve the historic fabric of the building and create a new arts facility for the local community. The works include:

• the creation of a new performance space in the historic building's former balcony

• two new creative learning studios

• an intimate performance space

• an interactive exhibition celebrating the building’s unique heritage and showcasing the history of Northern Ireland's picture houses.

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Last year, Belfast City Council helped the centre secure £4.09m from the UK government's Levelling Up Fund. Additional funding from the council, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and a variety of other sources helped raise the additional finances for the project.

The building dates back to 1935 when it was originally a single screen cinema. Strand became an east Belfast landmark and in the 1980s the building's interior was subdivided to meet public demand for more film choice. In 2013, the Strand Arts Centre was established to prevent the closure and potential demolition of the building. The charity repurposed the building as an arts centre with a four screen cinema whilst seeking investment to secure the building's long-term future.

Construction work will begin in early 2024 and is expected to open in mid 2025.