A construction company has been awarded a multi-million-pound contract to convert a former Scarborough and grade II listed theatre into new apartments.

The former Westwood School, also home to the old grad II listed Stephen Joseph Theatre, is set to be turned into 28 new apartments.

The Northern Echo: Picture: INFINITI CONSTRUCTIONPicture: INFINITI CONSTRUCTION

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The building is the first major work by the distinguished Scarborough architect Sir Edwin Cooper, who is said to have designed more buildings in the City of London than any architect since Sir Christopher Wren.

Westwood School was also the location of the first theatres-in-the-round in the UK created in 1976 by Stephen Joseph and premiered all of Sir Alan Ayckbourn’s plays produced for the next 20 years.

The Northern Echo: Picture: INFINITI CONSTRUCTIONPicture: INFINITI CONSTRUCTION

Work for 50 part-time and full-time trade jobs will also be created by the development which is being headed by Infiniti Construction.

The building is set to be converted into residential use with the conversion of 28 new on and two-bedroom apartments.

The Northern Echo: Picture: INFINITI CONSTRUCTIONPicture: INFINITI CONSTRUCTION

A co-working space, with an open-plan work area, private meeting rooms and toilets has been planned for the former theatre.

Alex Willgrass, one of Infiniti Construction’s directors, said the conversion will be a “fantastic challenge for everyone.”

The Northern Echo: Picture: INFINITI CONSTRUCTIONPicture: INFINITI CONSTRUCTION

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He added: “It will help enhance the fabric of one of the most architecturally and culturally significant buildings in the north of England, while creating modern, high quality, attractive, environmentally friendly living spaces.

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