Bristol City Council leaders have backed Bristol Old Vic's bid to secure £2m of Arts Council funding for essential refurbishment works, which would see the 241-year-old theatre open once again.

In addition, the city council is seeking reassurance from the Arts Council that the annual £1.2m annual revenue grant to the Old Vic is also awarded.

There was unanimous, all party support for Bristol Old Vic and Dick Penny, executive chair of theatre's trustees at a council meeting on Tuesday when Conservative Group Leader, Richard Eddy tabled a motion in support of this internationally recognised production company.

Council leader Helen Holland, said: "The Arts Council funding is absolutely vital to the long term sustainable future of Bristol Old Vic. We have pledged £1m towards Bristol Old Vic and will be asking the Arts Council to keep their promise of financial support.

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"The heating, lighting, plumbing all need replacing and disabled access needs to be improved and these essential refurbishment works have to happen before the theatre can reopen.

"I have every confidence that Dick Penny will work with us, with the people of Bristol and with organisations right across the city and beyond, to deliver a business plan which will show the Arts Council that we are committed to securing the future of the theatre."

Councillor Simon Cook, Liberal Democrat, commented: "The unanimous support for Bristol Old Vic is testament to the theatre's standing at the cultural heart of the city.

"Bristol Old Vic is one of the country’s leading theatres and has an enviable track record of staging world class performances and launching the careers of many of the best loved actors and actresses.

"It is vital the Arts Council takes all this into account when they make their funding decisions for both revenue and capital support."

Bristol Old Vic estimates it needs in the region of £9m to carry out all the refurbishments works, improved disabled access and repairs. With Arts Council funding, £6m has been pledged, including £1m from Bristol City Council, £1m from the Linbury Trust and the rest from various trusts and personal donations.

(JM)