A ROOFTOP bar-restaurant and a striking new entrance will be key features of the new-look Royal Court Theatre, it was revealed yesterday.

Liverpool-born architect Paul Monaghan, 47, spoke for the first time since being awarded the contract to redesign the building earlier this month.

He described being chosen for the project in his home city as “a rare chance”.

Mr Monaghan said: “Being involved in a cultural building which people can come to and enjoy is always special for an architect, but to do it in my home town is an opportunity you do not get very often.

“I always look twice at any potential work coming up in Liverpool.”

Mr Monaghan, who grew up in West Derby and attended St Edwards College, presented detailed plans for the Royal Court project at the theatre yesterday.

The redevelopment mainly focuses on the venue’s public areas to improve access and modernise the building.

A bar will be created on each floor, which could attract daytime customers, as well as those attending a show.

Extra space could be created backstage by building a pod above the delivery bay, Mr Monaghan explained. The new features will be carefully designed to complement the original 1930s architecture, he added.