A NELSON firm has been chosen to start work on a new theatre in Burnley next month.

The contract for the £1.1million new home for Burnley Youth Theatre has been awarded to Barnfield Construction.

Work will begin on the state-of-the-art 135-seat performing arts centre at Burnley Youth Theatre's Queen's Park Road site on March 1.

The new facilities to replace the current wooden building will include a studio for workshops and performances, a caf, a new foyer, meeting rooms, offices, dressing rooms and showers.

Backstage technical areas such as the lighting box and costume store will provide space for youngsters to learn the tricks of the trade.

There will also be better car parking facilities and a large space for outdoor productions.

Total funding of £1,162,100 was raised through the Development Agency, Arts Lottery, Lancashire Environmental Fund, SRB6, Lancashire Council Council, Burnley Borough Council, Burnley Youth Theatre and the Thursby Trust.

The site, which has been home to Burnley Youth Theatre since 1978, is surrounded by woodland and parks and looks set to be a flagship development for the North West.

General manager Gareth Davies said: "Signing the contract with Barnfield is a signal that the new era is truly about to begin for Burnley Youth Theatre, after much planning and discussion.

"The arts are enjoying a renaissance in this region. We are seeing larger audiences and growing numbers of participants, but that is just part of the story.

"There is growing recognition that the arts can play an invaluable role in developing skills in young people, such as confidence, communication and presentation.

"Burnley Youth Theatre is proving that efforts to unify and build local communities can use the arts to help young people make senses of the world about them and explore the issues which impact on their lives.

"The new theatre should be open for business towards the end of the year."

Burnley Youth Theatre was formed by a small group of young amateur dramatics enthusiasts in 1973. It started life in Towneley School and has been at its present location since 1978.

Around 350 young people are involved with the group which also stages productions in Pendle and Hyndburn and has completed projects in Rossendale and the Ribble Valley.

Despite the nine months of building work the youth theatre's activities will continue as normal during the construction phase.

For details about the new term at Burnley Youth Theatre, or to offer support for the new building, call 01282 427767.