Newcastle-based Surgo Construction has been appointed to deliver a £4.75m restoration of the city's Theatre Royal ahead of its 175th anniversary in 2012.

Work is to be undertaken between March and September in order to restore the auditorium to Frank Matcham's original 1901 design. The scheme will also include selective demolition of post-Matcham interior features; repairs to the roof; and the restoration of screens, partitions and barriers.

Surgo Construction will also manage the Theatre Royal's interior finishings, as well as the installation of new seating and the refurbishment of toilet facilities. Theatre Royal chief executive Philip Bernays said: "The success of this project is of critical importance not only to us, but also to the theatre-going public in the region and beyond."

Surgo Construction will work alongside architects Sansome Hall; theatre consultants Charcoalblue and conservation expert Dr David Wilmore of Theatresearch. The Theatre Royal is due to reopen its new auditorium on 12 September.

Image (from left): Chris Hayward (Theatre Royal's pantomime dame); Philip Bernays; Steve Arnott (The Sheriff of Nottingham in 'Robin Hood'); and Surgo Construction director Jeff Alexander