Work has restarted on transforming the Hall for Cornwall into a state-of-the-art theatre - but delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic mean its opening will be delayed by months.

The Truro theatre closed its doors in June 2018 to begin a £20 million redevelopment that will see the auditorium increase to 1,354 seats, enabling it to attract top West End productions, promote local talent and revitalise the night-time economy of Truro.

It had been hoped the grand unveiling would take place this autumn, but work ground to a halt last month after coronavirus hit and contractors Kier reviewed its operating procedures to comply with government instructions.

Although work has now restarted, with the care and responsibility of the team described as the priority, the pause means a delay to the proposed reopening, which is now scheduled for spring 2021 at the earliest.

Read more: Two year rebuild of Hall For Cornwall to start in July after last part of £20 million funding package is secured

Julien Boast, Hall For Cornwall’s CEO and creative director, said: “This is obviously a very challenging time for everyone, with ever-changing circumstances impacting all our lives.

“All theatres are fighting for their futures at the moment and, whilst the safety and welfare of everyone are the priority, we must not forget the many pledges already made to fund our redevelopment.

"At the same time, members of our young people’s companies and community projects have been working hard to offer performances and prepare for the moment when they can take their careers further in our new theatre.

"We are in close communication with our core stakeholders and funders, who are very supportive and exploring ways with us to ensure the project will continue to be successfully delivered.

“Like many other charities across the country, Covid-19 is presenting us with significant challenges we need to overcome and we have been overwhelmed by the incredible messages of support we have received from members of the public during the past few weeks. A huge thank you to everyone who has taken the time to contact us.

“We are seriously impatient to reopen our theatre, to show off its potential and to welcome our loyal audiences again and again to all the fun, amazement and emotion that we will all share – when we are through this, together."

Read more: Hall for Cornwall awarded £2.5 million for redevelopment by Heritage Lottery Fund

Recent work on the redevelopment has moved forward in great strides, with the digging out of the foundations for the new air conditioning system completed and the laying of timber decking at circle and balcony levels prepared for the new tiered seating to be installed.

Decades of paint have also been removed to reveal the original granite walls.

In the meantime, the theatre team behind the scenes continues to develop plans for its inaugural season and said that major theatre producers were still calling to arrange dates in the programme, which will be shared later in the year when tickets begin to go on sale.

Co-chair of Hall For Cornwall’s trustees Chris Pomfret said: "Without Hall For Cornwall the region’s creative spirit, energy and drive would be drastically affected, as would the economic impact it delivers to Cornwall.

"When we can safely come together again, our new theatre will be a truly aspirational building where communities and creative talent unite to celebrate and innovate. We thank all the community for their continued support during these unprecedented times."