ENTICING glimpses of an art deco past were on show when builders threw open the doors of a historic venue.

Significant restoration work is now underway at The Globe in Stockton, which could eventually become one of the region’s largest music and comedy venues.

In its heyday, The Globe attracted some of the biggest names in entertainment, from The Beatles to the Rolling Stones, to T-Rex and Morecambe and Wise.

After years in disuse and disrepair, the Grade II listed art deco building is now shrouded by hoardings sporting the promise of a new future.

It is hoped that an on-going £15m restoration project – funded by Stockton Council with a £4.5m Heritage Lottery grant – will eventually create a 3,000 capacity venue that will attract big names in comedy and music.

Behind the colourful hoardings, which illustrate highlights of The Globe’s rich history, Willmott Dixon’s team of builders are helping to bring the building back to life.

After removing asbestos and waterproofing the roof, the team will soon begin the next phase of work, which will see dressing room space increased and an array of technical equipment installed to allow major touring shows to be staged.

Workers are currently conducting “significant internal demolition” and stripping unsalvageable areas.

Their work has uncovered a diverse haul of artefacts from the building’s past as a theatre, cinema and bingo hall, some of which – including sections of the stage, doors and some seats – could be brought back into use.

Cllr Bob Cook, leader of Stockton Council, said the restoration project brought back fond childhood memories of attending pantomimes and other events at The Globe.

As he joined a tour giving a sneak preview of the building work so far, he said: “This will be a boost for the night-time economy and just to have that many people coming in and out of the town centre will really help other businesses, like restaurants and pubs.”

He said a team of designers were developing detailed plans to modernise the venue while retaining its “art deco glory”, adding: “The Globe is a huge part of Stockton’s heritage so we want to make sure that everything that is in a condition that can be reused or brought back to use is maintained.”

Previously, Cllr Cook vigorously defended the authority’s decision to plunge millions into the venue’s restoration, saying that the projected boost to the town’s economy would make it worthwhile and anticipating that it could generate about £18m a year for Stockton.

  • The Globe is expected to open in early 2019 and will be operated by the Ambassador Theatre Group.