INVESTIGATIVE work has begun at Bradford's historic St George's Hall ahead of a major multi-million pound refurbishment project.

The grade II* listed venue (pictured) has closed for a year to allow the scheme to go ahead, part of which is being funded by a £1.5m lottery grant secured last month.

Following the investigative work, theatre bosses are expecting to finalise a start date for the actual refurbishment work within the next six weeks.

The project will see the 1850s building's sandstone exterior restored, as well as a re-design of the front-of-house and bar areas, removing partitions added in the 1980s.

Other major changes include glazing the colonnade on Bridge Street to provide a new draft lobby and reinstating three original entrance doors from Hall Ings, as well as the addition of a new lift.

Bradford Council, which runs what was the country's first purpose-built concert hall, has committed a further £1.7m to the scheme, covering essential repairs to the listed building such as work to the roof, windows, electrics, heating system and stonework.