The London Assembly is investigating how best to modernise theatre buildings in London’s West End to meet audience needs and expectations.

The majority of the 49 venues located in the capital’s theatre district -were built before 1937 and require urgent improvement works – estimated to cost around £250m.

These improvements include additional ladies and disabled toilets to accommodate the changing demographics of theatre-goers, new seating and improved backstage areas, updated foyers, new ventilation and heating systems and structural restorations.

Bob Blackman, who is leading the enquiry on behalf of the Assembly’s Economic Development, Culture, Sport and Tourism Committee, said: “This investigation will look at practical ways of finding the necessary investment to preserve one of the most culturally and economically significant areas of London.”

Blackman is holding discussions with theatre owners and industry representatives on how best to proceed and whether the investment should come from the private sector or public funding.

The study is expected to be completed early next year.

Theatre-goers contribute around £1.5bn to London’s economy every year, with audience numbers being at an all-time high.