THE £3.5 million needed for the refurbishment of the once iconic Globe Theatre in Stockton has still not been released by the lottery because properly worked out plans have not been submitted.

However all sides have released statements assuring the public that the project will eventually be completed.

Hundreds of thousands of pounds have already been spent on the restoration of the Grade II-listed, art deco theatre on Stockton High Street but work has stalled.

In 2013, The Heritage Lottery Fund agreed to release £400,000 to Stockton Borough Council to help develop the plans. Once the plans have been developed the HLF will then release another £3.5 million to actually complete the work.

However the building is owned by development company Jomast, not the council, and the company has already invested money in the project.

Jomast originally hoped to re-open The Globe in 2012, even before money was granted from HLF. However it cost more money than expected just to clear the property of water and make it safe.

Hopes were then raised that the 2,500 capacity venue would be completed by this year when the HLF announced it had agreed in principle to fund the project in 2013 once it became clear Stockton Council was supporting the refurbishment. However unspecified procedural difficulties have once again held up the development of the plans.

The lead organisation working on the project is Jomast. A spokeswoman for the company said: "Jomast remains fully committed to the project, having already invested significant sums in the initial stages of the application and also to ensure the building is maintained and its historic features protected.

"We firmly believe in The Globe as a major catalyst for further regeneration of Stockton town centre and thank the public for their continued patience in what has been a frustrating period as a result of the delay.

"We are continuing to work closely with Stockton Borough Council and HLF and are confident that the project will come to fruition."

Cllr Bob Cook, leader of Stockton Council, said: “This is a complex project, not least because the building is not owned by the council, but we remain absolutely committed to playing our part in helping it progress.

“The prospect of bringing The Globe back into use as a venue is an exciting one and has obvious potential to make a huge contribution to the regeneration of Stockton town centre.”

A HLF spokeswoman said: “There have been a number of areas under discussion to get this complex project off the ground which has resulted in some delays. This is not uncommon with projects of this nature. The HLF is committed to working with the council and will continue to have regular meetings to discuss progress."