The redevelopment of Liverpool's Everyman Theatre on Hope Street has reached a milestone.

The Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson joined theatre chiefs, funders, builders Gilbert Ash and architects Haworth Tompkins to celebrate the Topping-Out of the new building. The main structure of the building now completed and the development remain on schedule.

The new Everyman, which is being rebuilt in a £28m development is scheduled to reopen early 2014 with the opening season to be announced this autumn.

Mayor Anderson said: "This is a landmark moment in the history of one of the most influential theatres, not only in the region, but in the UK. The topping-out ceremony is an important milestone in the redevelopment of the Everyman. For more than a year there has been a huge amount of work taking place behind the scenes, so it is fantastic to see changes taking place and know that we’re a step closer to having a new, inspirational venue that will work with the best talent to create world class theatre here in Liverpool."

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Artistic Director Gemma Bodinetz said: "We are poised to complete a new Everyman that harnesses its unique spirit and also provides this treasured part of Hope Street with an integrated youth and community resource, writers’ hub, rehearsal space and a bistro in the basement complete with wood burning stove! The building will be fully accessible and with natural ventilation throughout most public spaces, aspires to be one of the most sustainable theatres in the country. In short we have tried to take the extraordinary and particular ethos of this beloved theatre and make sure it’s housed in a building that will welcome and dazzle audiences of all ages for generations to come."

(CD/MH)