Bradford University’s Theatre in the Mill has set the stage for a glittering future after undergoing a major refurbishment.

Funding of almost £400,000 has been spent on revamping the popular arts venue – the only professional theatre in the city dedicated to producing new work by writers and performers outside the mainstream.

It has paid for a complete overhaul of the theatre space alongside new lighting, sound equipment, air conditioning, dressing room facilities, windows and security measures.

Iain Bloomfield, artistic director, said: “The building was originally converted into a theatre in 1976 but time takes its toll on any building.

“Now we will be able to give a very much more pleasant experience to our audiences and resident and touring companies.

“Our equipment is now top-notch which will make their lives very much easier.”

The funds provided by the university will complement continued investment by Arts Council England meaning the theatre’s future plans are now secure.

Mr Bloomfield took up his role five years ago and has helped the theatre’s reputation and dramatic output flourish.

He said: “Our raison d’etre is to make sure there are professional artists working on campus both alongside the students and creating new work in the city.”

Theatre in the Mill now boasts five resident professional theatre companies.

Among them is Slung Low, which is attracting rave reviews at London’s Barbican theatre for latest production Helium which mixes live and digital performances.

“I am very, very excited about where we are going,” said Mr Bloomfield. “We have had five years of developing our resident companies and they are now really starting to fly. “It’s fantastic for Bradford that the city is able to generate that quality of work. We are starting to develop work that is of national significance.”

Theatre in the Mill has also helped launch the careers of some of the country’s top writers including Casualty scriptwriter Mark Catley and playwright and former Telegraph & Argus reporter David Edgar.

The theatre will showcase a host of experimental drama during The Development Lab Festival from October 15.

In 2003, university bosses spent a six-figure sum on installing a lift, new seats in the auditorium and improving the theatre’s offices and vestibule.

Famous playwright Alan Ayckbourn opened the 100-seat Theatre in the Mill in 1976 at what was then primarily a technological university.