A £1m renovation of Liverpool's former Neptune Theatre - now called The Epstein Theatre in honour of former Beatles manager Brian Epstein - has been completed.

Liverpool City Council (LCC) contributed £750,000 towards the project, which has seen the Grade II-listed venue restored to its former glory and ready to host productions once again. The 98-year-old property was acquired by Liverpool Corporation in 1967 and shut in 2005, with current council leader Joe Anderson making its refurbishment a priority.

Venue owner David Ramsey of Hanover Estate Management provided a further £250,000 to help fund the scheme - undertaken by Noble Construction and architects 2020 Liverpool. LCC leader Joe Anderson said: "This marks an exciting new beginning for the theatre, ushering in a new chapter in its illustrious history."

An operator will now be sought to run the venue.