THE relaunch of a theatre has been postponed until September after building work on an extension was delayed a second time.

Construction firm Walter Birch won the tender to pull down a crumbling annex at the Georgian Theatre Royal, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, and build a replacement to include cloakrooms, cafe and a bar overlooking the Friary Gardens.

But the scheme was disrupted when the construction company went into liquidation.

Despite appointing another builder, officials said last night that the relaunch - originally planned for January - would not happen until late summer at the earliest.

Spokesman Mac Bryant said: "We have been able to appoint new contractors, Walter Thompson, with as little disruption as possible.

"The change-over has gone smoothly and we haven't ended up paying anyone for work which hasn't been done."

Modern stage equipment was to be installed - designed to blend with a restoration of the auditorium, which dates to the 1700s.

Problems started soon after work began last autumn, when it was discovered the building's foundations needed underpinning.

The overall costs soared by £300,000 as a result.

Building work should be finished in June, when the theatre will be operational. The first professional productions are planned for September.

The theatre will then begin work on the second phase of its redevelopment, building on its links with the community and its role a visitor attraction.

Lady Crathorne, chairwoman of the theatre's trustees, said: "We are delighted with the progress now being made, but there are still a number of challenges to overcome before moving on to secure the funding for the substantial developments in stage two.

"More and more people are realising the importance of this project goes way beyond the restoration of the building.

"We remain confident that, with the continuing support of our partners and the local community, the Georgian Theatre's future will be secured and enhanced."