ONE of the North-East’s most iconic entertainment venues is to be restored to its former glory thanks to a £4m revamp.

The Globe Theatre, in Stockton, which once welcomed The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, is to reopen next year as a venue for live music and comedy.

Developers hope to restore the grade II-listed building back to its Thirties’ splendour and with a capacity of 2,500, it will be the largest indoor auditorium between Leeds and Newcastle.

Originally built in 1913 as a cinema, it was demolished and rebuilt twice before 1935.

It became one of Britain’s biggest theatres, presenting music, cinema, theatre and an annual pantomime.

The Beatles played at the venue on November 22, 1963, the day President John F Kennedy was assassinated.

Status Quo were the final rock band to play there in December 1974, followed in early 1975 by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

It finally closed in 1996 after two decades as a bingo hall.

The project has planning and listed building consent and contractors are expected on site in April.

The rennovation project will create 23 permanent jobs and 72 construction posts.

It is estimated that 82,500 visitors a year will spend almost £2.5m in the town centre, supporting up to 130 extra local jobs.

The Globe will house approximately 675 seats or space for 1,700 people standing, and 808 balcony seats.

There will be 30 live concerts, 15 comedy performances and 20 other events a year.

Stuart Monk, managing director of Jomast Developments, the company behind the project, said: “I am very excited at the prospect of seeing The Globe regain its place as a leading live entertainment venue for the North-East.

“Jomast and Stockton Borough Council have worked closely together to consider various options to secure The Globe’s future.

“The current popularity of live music and a massive 7.5 million people living within two hours’ drive clearly made restoration as a performance venue the best way forward.”

Councillor Bob Cook, Stockton Borough Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and development, said: “This is fantastic news for Stockton.

“Everyone who remembers The Globe in its heyday will be excited at its return, which will also bring music and other entertainment to a whole new generation of fans.”

Councillor Ken Lupton, leader of Stockton Borough Council, said: “Live music and comedy are now bigger business than ever and a venue of this size will put Stockton well and truly back on the entertainment map.”

Pictured are: Ken Lupton, leader of Stockton Borough Council, Richard Poundford, Stockton council’s head of regeneration and economic development, Stuart Monk, managing director of Jomast and Bob Cook, Stockton council’s member for regeneration and development.