A gala event has been held to mark the closure of the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, Kent, which is set to undergo a £25.6m revamp after the local authority approved plans for the redevelopment of the venue.

Canterbury City Council (CCC) voted in favour of the proposals on 19 March, which will include a new 1,200-seat auditorium with improved acoustics and sightlines, as well as a second, smaller performance space built on the site of the existing Marlowe venue. The second space, which will be able to accommodate 150 seated spectators or 300 standing, will be dedicated to participation and learning for local schools, universities and the wider community in order to ensure that the new Marlowe is both a presenting and a producing theatre.

Plans also include enhanced public areas incorporating foyers and bars on all three floors, a riverside walk, a café and terrace, and a piazza that will enable outdoor performances to be held at the venue. Keith Williams Architects, the company behind the design of the new Wexford Opera House in Ireland, has drawn up designs for the new-look Marlowe Theatre, while the contractor for the scheme will be announced on 31 March.

It is expected that work will get underway in May on the new venue, which is scheduled to reopen in September 2011 and has been funded by CCC, Kent County Council, the South East England Development Agency and fundraising campaigns. CCC leader John Gilbey said: "The residents of Canterbury and the district can now look forward to the many benefits that this magnificent new theatre will bring to the area. Not only will we enjoy the best productions and performers around, but the theatre's second space will give a career springboard for our many talented youngsters.

"This great project will provide crucial jobs for local people at this difficult time, and once it is opened, the new theatre will act as the catalyst for much-needed regeneration in the local area."