This includes removal of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the original roof structure over the oldest parts of the building.  The grant will cover 90 per cent of the capital costs.

As well as upgrading the fabric of the building, the proposed works will enhance environmental performance, improve insulation and reduce energy usage.

During the construction works, which are scheduled over an eight-month period from February to October 2027, The Rep will remain open and will continue to produce and present a theatre programme in The Studio.

 The main 800-seat auditorium, The House, will be closed temporarily. 

The theatre’s Talent Development and Creative Learning programmes, which work with hundreds of children, young people, adults and artists in the building and across the city, will continue as normal. 

The Rep’s commercial events subsidiary Unique Venues Birmingham (UVB) will also continue to operate from its usual portfolio of spaces across The Rep and Library of Birmingham.

The Arts Council award will cover the capital costs of the project only. 

A public fundraising campaign will be launched in due course to raise vital funding for revenue losses accrued during the construction period, including support for The Rep’s wider charitable mission while programme surpluses are not available to support it in the usual way. 

Full details of the fundraising campaign will be announced in the coming weeks.

CEO of The Rep, Rachael Thomas said: “We are deeply grateful to Arts Council England for this award and the opportunity it provides to renew The Rep’s building fabric and protect the future of the theatre.

“The new roof will greatly improve the environmental performance of the building and is environmentally sustainable in design.  It will safeguard those sections of the roof affected for another 50 years and enable The Rep to continue producing theatre and welcoming audiences for decades to come.”

Liz Johnson, Midlands area director at Arts Council England, said:  “Our Creative Foundations Fund invests in buildings and equipment to help keep venues across the country up and running, for everyone to enjoy.

“It improves sustainability and revitalises cultural assets, so organisations can provide a bolder and bigger programme of activity for their communities.

“We’re pleased to offer more than £3 million of funding to Birmingham REP to upgrade the roof in the main theatre, revitalising the space and ensuring that it can continue to produce and showcase exceptional theatre for many years to come.”