Visitors to Chorley Little Theatre will now be entering the building slightly differently, thanks to the installation of new doors and a new box office layout.

The previous doors were installed in the Dole Lane venue in the 1990s have have been battered by the elements so needed replacing. The new set of doors aren’t just stronger and more secure but help access and should improve the flow of people into and out of the building.

The work has been commissioned by Chorley Amateur Dramatic & Operatic Society (CADOS), who own the building, helped with funding from the Lancashire Environmental Fund with Chorley Empire Community Cinema and Chorley Civic Society.

Operations Director Ian Robinson said: “We’ve been planning these door changes for a while now. The style is reminiscent of when CADOS took over in 1960 and now provides more light into the foyer.”

The main door has moved from the centre to the left of the entrance, and the box office desk is now more open and spacious.

“The main door is now back where it was when the venue first opened in 1910 but importantly we are now step-free from pavement to auditorium, bar and toilets. The floor has been relaid as best we can, and so the building is now more accessible than ever.”

Part of the changes include a waiting area, and the original 1910 stained glass “Empire” sign has been cleaned and protected . The changes have been done by builder Ian Bromley and his team, with Edge 2 Edge doors and Hawkins Construction, who have had to work around shows at the theatre over the last few weeks.

The changes are part of ongoing work to spruce up the venue, with new paintwork, guttering, and signage.

For more details on shows and events visit www.chorleytheatre.com