KEY players behind the Mercury Theatre refurbishment have been given a tour of the site.

The £9.8 million Mercury Rising project will see the venue completely revamped.

Representatives from Colchester Borough Homes, Colchester Amphora Trading, Phelan Construction and MP Will Quince were among some of the first to see the ongoing work.

Will Quince MP said the theatre is at the centre of Colchester’s vibrant arts and culture scene and “is a major contributor to our economy”.

George Kieffer, Essex vice-chair of SELEP, said: “It’s a cornerstone of Colchester and has long played a significant role in the cultural landscape of the wider Essex area as a regionally important centre for the creative arts.”

Julie Young, Colchester council’s deputy leader, said: “I was so impressed to see the remarkable progress made on the new-look Mercury and eagerly await the theatre reopening its doors.”

The theatre is scheduled to reopen in the autumn and the Mercury Rising campaign is nearing its target with £300,000 still to raise.

To find out more visit www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/support.