One of the borough’s main arts venues has reopened after undergoing a £350,000 renovation programme.

Work at the Playhouse, in Hurst Grove, Walton, began around four-and-a-half months ago.

And the venue – renamed the Cecil Hepworth Playhouse – celebrated its reopening last Friday (January 13).

Helen Mills, chairman of the Playhouse users' committee, said: “We are thrilled that the Playhouse refurbishment programme has now been completed.

“This much-respected venue now stands in good stead to make a lasting contribution to the development and delivery of theatrical productions in the area.”

The Playhouse was originally built by legendary local film producer Cecil Hepworth in 1920 and became a popular venue for amateur theatre productions.

Elmbridge Borough Council said that much of the new refurbishment work had been faithful to the original features while taking the venue into the 21st Century.

It included the refurbishment of the foyer, toilets, dressing rooms and bar, new floor finishes throughout, full internal and external decoration, new windows and new heating.

Robert Moran, the chief executive of Elmbridge Borough Council, said: "This has been a very exciting project for everyone involved.

“At the council, we are proud to be investing in this historically important arts venue for the borough.

“We hope that it can build on its unique heritage to keep the arts alive in the community.”