The £15m scheme for Leeds City Council is part of a wider transformation of the local Quarry Hill area as a cultural quarter.

Glasgow-based architect Page/Park has designed the scheme to fully modernise the building, including the addition of the new Bramall Rock Void studio theatre space, significantly improved access across the theatre, and a brand new city-facing entrance.

The two theatres forming the Playhouse opened originally in 1990, and at the time they were the largest purpose-built new theatres since the National Theatre in 1976.

They suffer however from poor disabled access and require new entrances and more open spaces.

An as-found new studio theatre space – the Rock Void – is being created in an existing rocky underground vault.

As work started today, Jason Pink, BAM’s construction director, said: “We’re creating a new theatre in the undercroft and we’ll be conducting enhancement and access works around the other two existing theatres.

“It’s a complex refurb with numerous small spaces that feel like a rabbit warren. Our team has experience of similar restoration schemes that we completed in Leeds and Harrogate.