THE relaunch of one of the region's most historic theatres has been postponed until September after building work on an extension was delayed a second time.

Harrogate construction firm Walter Birch won the tender to pull down the crumbling annex at the Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond and put up a new one, with a new entrance, cloakrooms, caf and bar overlooking the town's Friary Gardens.

The scheme was disrupted when the construction company went into liquidation.

Despite finding another builder the theatre trustees said the relaunch, originally planned for January this year, now seemed more likely to be in late summer.

Spokesman Mac Bryant said: "We have been able to appoint new contractors, Walter Thompson, with as little disruption as possible.

"The change over has gone smoothly and we haven't ended up paying anyone for work which hasn't been done."

Modern stage equipment was to be installed, designed to blend with a faithful restoration of the diminutive auditorium, which dates back to the 1700s.

The project hit its first problems soon after work started last autumn when it became apparent the building's foundations would need underpinning.

As a result the overall costs soared by £300,000.

Building work should now be finished in June, when the new theatre will be ready for its first dry runs; the first professional productions are now planned for September.

The theatre will then begin work on the second phase of its redevelopment, building on its links with the community, as well as its role a visitor attraction.

Lady Crathorne, chairman of the theatre's trustees, said: "We are delighted with the progress now being made but there are still a number of challenges to overcome before moving on to secure the funding for the substantial developments in stage two."

"More and more people are realising the importance of this project goes way beyond the restoration of the building.

"We remain confident that, with the continuing support of our partners and the local community, the Georgian Theatre's future will be secured and enhanced."