One of Belfast's finest landmarks, the Grand Opera House, will be reborn this weekend after a major 10.2m refurbishment project.
The huge refurbishment plan which began in April 2005 and involved the Opera House closing for six months, will finally open to the public on Sunday with a performance of The Sounds of The Musicals.
The centrepiece of the extension is a multi-purpose performance space, now dubbed the Baby Grand, which can be used not only for small-scale theatre and other live events but for conferences, hospitality and even as a cinema.
A new atrium-style foyer, complete with its own bistro, Luciano's, named after the tenor Pavarotti, and a ground-level bar will also welcome customers this weekend.
New lifts will provide wheelchair users with better access to the theatre.
Speaking at the launch of the Opera House's new programme, theatre director John Botteley said it was "a very exciting time" for the Grand Opera House.
Stephen Mann, a civil servant from north Belfast, said the modern look of the new extension didn't appeal to him, but said it was time to expand the arts in Belfast.
"I think it is definitely time to move the arts on even if the extension looks a bit out of place," he said.
However, Margaret Wilson (78), from east Belfast, said the design doesn't bother her.
"It's about what it can offer people and it will no doubt be good for the city and a good investment.
"I think it is particularly good that there are more facilities for the disabled, like lifts.
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Fellow Queen's University student, Sadhbh Smyth (18), from west Belfast, said the style of architecture did surprise her.
"To me it looks something that would be on a university campus with its straight lines.
"But overall I think it will be good in attracting more people to the theatre," she said.
Jim Mercer, a businessman from Lisburn, said: "It is a wee bit strange, as the Opera House is a listed building, but I'm sure the interior is superb."
For more information log on to www.goh.
co.uk.
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