DEVELOPERS of a derelict formerly iconic theatre in the region have been told to press ahead with work after years of set backs and delays.

It was originally hoped The Globe in Stockton would reopen in 2012 after owners, development company Jomast, announced major plans for the venue after working closely with Stockton Borough Council.

Those initial plans stalled, partly because it was discovered the venue was in a worse condition than thought, but hopes were raised again when The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) agreed to release £3.9 million to restore the Grade II-listed art deco theatre.

However there were various unspecified "procedural difficulties" complications which are thought to be related to the fact that the venue is not owned by the council but a private company and the HLF has been withholding £3.5 million of the money until those problems were ironed out.

Now the HLF has told the developers to press on with work and The Northern Echo understands the lottery cash will be released later in the year.

The increased confidence in the restoration of the town centre theatre has led other businesses to invest in nearby properties.

For example The Lambton Castle pub has been renovated, a new restaurant called Dabha has recently opened and there are plans to bring the former Manhattan pub site back into use as a boutique hotel.

Technical preparation work has been going on behind the scenes, which has included digitally recording every inch of the building, and HLF managers have told Jomast to proceed with more work while a more detailed announcement is expected to be made by HLF and Jomast in February.

Stockton Borough Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and transport, Councillor Nigel Cooke, said: “We are delighted that HLF has granted permission to start and we are now working with Jomast and HLF to finalise the details of the next stages.

“This is a complex project, and of course the building is not owned by the council, but all partners involved remain absolutely committed to playing their part in helping it progress.”

A spokeswoman for Jomast said: “Progress is ongoing and we are now working on the second stage of our submission following HLF’s official ‘permission to start.’

"Although there are many complexities still to be resolved we remain confident regarding delivery and the vision for the Globe as a key part of the transformation of Stockton town centre.”

No-one at the HLF was available to comment.

The venue will eventually accommodate 2,500 people and will be the largest concert centre between Newcastle and Leeds. The last show was in 1975, but it was a bingo hall until 1997.