PLANS to create a new Everyman Theatre for the 21st century have been given the green light thanks to a £12.8m Arts Council grant.

The £28m redevelopment of Liverpool’s most famous theatre will now begin in the spring of 2010 with the building due to open in 2013.

Architects Haworth Tompkins will start finalising designs, which include a new 400-seat auditorium, a recreation of the much-loved Everyman Bistro and improved Youth Theatre facilities.

The theatre’s management team welcomed the announcement, which it says will inspire future generations of actors and audiences.

Chairman Michael Brown said: “This is a far-sighted and forward-thinking commitment from our stakeholders which reflects the importance of high quality culture to the image, the quality of life and the economic growth of Liverpool, Merseyside and the North West - an example of what Liverpool can achieve with all parties working together to one end, recognising that unless everyone played their part the dream could not be delivered.

"The new Everyman will be a powerful signal that Capital of Culture 2008 was not an end in itself but the beginning of a new era for this uniquely creative city.”

Deborah Aydon, Everyman and Playhouse executive director, said: “This decision is a bold and emphatic endorsement of the value of the arts to our city and to all our lives, in hard times more than ever.

“Soon we will be hard at work to create an inspiring new Everyman which honours its history, expresses its unique personality, and takes it confidently into the future.”

Artistic director Gemma Bodinetz added: “Liberated from cramped conditions and ancient technical facilities, the work on stage can flex its muscles and grow in a building which harnesses the spirit of its beloved predecessor but is fit and inspiring for future generations.

“Perhaps most importantly of all, our work with young people and community groups will be right at the heart of the building, making it truly an Everyman for everyone.”

The national endorsement follows extensive discussions with the Arts Council, the Northwest Regional Development Agency and Liverpool City Council, which last year all identified the theatre’s redevelopment as a key factor in ensuring a long-term legacy for Liverpool’s Capital of Culture year.

Aileen McEvoy, executive director of Arts Council England North West, said: “It will provide a fitting legacy for 2008, one that will continue to grow and develop new audiences, new work, and create the right conditions by which great art can happen.

“Our investment will firmly secure the future of producing theatre in Liverpool and will allow it to continue to play a major role in the continuing transformation of the city into an international cultural centre.”