The £35million redevelopment of Aberdeen’s Capitol Theatre is about to enter a new phase as demolition work at the historic old building comes to an end.
Attention has turned to the new extension and interiors, with Glasgow-based Keppie Design having been given the task of restoring the foyer to its 1930s glory.
Escalators will link the refurbished art deco front of house with new office accommodation to the rear.
The exterior will also be restored, with Keppie, which was appointed by Aberdeen-based developer Knight Property Group, aiming to retain historical features in and outside the Union Street building.
Fraser Low, director and head of interior architecture at Keppie, said: “As the building is Category B-listed, we have had to work hard to identify and retain the elements of historic merit.
“A considerable amount of research was undertaken into the art deco movement, so that our interpretation is both complementary to the period and appropriate for the building’s contemporary change of use.”
Knight’s plans to transform the Capitol into a suite of offices were approved last September.
The new building will have room for 700 office workers across 75,000 square feet of space, with the project on track for completion in late 2015.
Contractor Andrew Cowie Construction started demolishing the former nightclubs and auditorium in May.
Knight director Howard Crawshaw said: “This next phase focuses on the new build structure and the existing interiors.
“Keppie has perfectly articulated our vision for the existing front of house area.
“We are hugely enthusiastic about the designs and images they have presented and look forward to seeing those come to life over the coming months.”
The building purchase was a joint venture between Knight and London-based investor M&G Real Estate.
More than 2,000 packed into the Capitol Cinema in its heydey.
Opened in 1933, the building later enjoyed popularity as a music venue for performances by major bands such as the Rolling Stones and The Who.
It closed in 1997 and reopened six years later, becoming the home of bar and nightclub Jumping Jaks.
Following another closure in 2009, it remained empty until Knight’s plans were approved.