WORK has begun to transform a Hampshire theatre entrance and give it a new lease of life.

The Point theatre's foyer and bar area is getting a makeover as part of more than £450,000 invested in the popular Eastleigh venue in the last year and a half.

Local artists working with an interior designer are involved in the project, which is the final phase of 18 months of improvement work at the theatre, in Leigh Road.

This is ahead of the venue's 20th anniversary next year.

Interior designer Naomi Doran of London-based Relic Interiors is spearheading the refurbishment to create a more welcoming a comfortable space.

She is working with four local artists from Eastleigh’s designer-maker studio The Sorting Office – ceramic artist Sheena Bond, print designer Mariska Parent, textile artist Claire Vine and visual artist Eve Dawson.

Sheena and Mariska will combine to create a large bespoke tile panel inspired by the ornate archway over the main door of The Point, which will form a beautiful centrepiece behind the refurnished bar.

Claire and Eve will be creating two wall-mounted memory boxes that showcase photographs and items from The Point’s archives to mark the two decade milestone.

Where possible the revamp will use local suppliers and will incorporate reclaimed timber furniture, an original wood flooring and brass wall lights while highlighting period features.

Work is expected to be completed by the end of the year

Improvement works so far, funded by Arts Council England and Eastleigh Borough Council, also include replacing all single-glazed windows with double-glazing and fitting energy and money saving LED lighting.

Alan Wright, executive director at The Point, said the theatre was looking to attract more people in to use its cafe and take advantage of the lunchtime trade as well as raise awareness among the public of what the building has to offer.

“The new foyer will be an excellent way to introduce those who weren’t already aware of what we do here, and to develop a new audience that will advocate that this is a great place to meet and eat in a warm and relaxed environment," he added.

Lead designer Naomi Doran, of Relic Interiors, said: “Our aim is to give a new lease of life to the foyer by embracing and reviving its existing features, flooding the space with warm, inviting furniture and lighting and finally, by showcasing and celebrating everything The Point stands for with the photography installation and prop displays."

Mariska said:“It’s fantastic exposure for the designers here at The Sorting Office, and gives us a real opportunity to put our stamp on Eastleigh, and create a legacy for the future.”