Elected Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill was watched eagerly by a large gathering of council members, senior staff and project team leaders as she wielded a ceremonial trowel to perform a topping out ceremony at the Watford Colosseum.

The renowned entertainment venue, which has played host to top international stars of radio, stage and screen for over 70 years, is in the final stages of a £5 million rebuilding and renovation programme by main contractor Kier London.

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To mark the structural completion of a striking new glass-fronted foyer, Mayor Thornhill was invited by Kier London operations director Norman Elliott to cement the final brick in place.

The works being undertaken by Kier London also involve refurbishing the main auditorium, with a combination of new retractable, loose and fixed seating for up to 1,400, plus new sound and lighting systems. The Colosseum’s small hall is also being given a makeover, with new flooring and a bar area, while retaining its original features.

The Mayor said: "This project has been incredibly well organised and run. As with any scheme of this scale, issues arise, but we have been able to sit round the table and resolve them."

(CD)