A ceremony has been held to mark the topping out of Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, Kent, which is currently undergoing a major multi-million pound redevelopment.

Canterbury City Council (CCC) has confirmed that a special community day will also take place on 26 June to enable local residents to see how the £25.6m scheme is progressing. The redeveloped Marlowe Theatre will include a 1,200-seat auditorium with enhanced acoustics and sightlines, a second, smaller performance space and upgraded public areas such as new foyers and bars.

A riverside walk, a café and terrace and a piazza will also comprise the scheme, which is being delivered by ISG Jackson and is scheduled for completion in autumn 2011. The redeveloped venue has been designed by architect Keith Williams, with funding contributed by CCC, Kent County Council, the South East Development Agency and a public and private fundraising campaign.

A statement from CCC's three party leaders - John Gilbey, Alex Perkins and Julia Seath - said: "It is exciting to see our wonderful new theatre taking shape so quickly and everyone involved is looking forward to its reopening in autumn 2011." Keith Williams added: "I believe that the new Marlowe will have a transformative effect on arts and culture in the southeast, at the same time endowing Canterbury with a truly exceptional new building."