Plans to redevelop Portsmouth’s King’s Theatre are closer to becoming a reality after Portsmouth City Council bought the final piece of land needed.

The Edwardian theatre’s plot surrounds three neighboring shops, and the council’s purchase of 26 Albert Road means plans for the site’s regeneration can now start to be shaped further. The council already owns 24 Albert Road and the theatre, while number 28 is owned by the Kings Theatre Trust, meaning the entire plot now belongs to partners in the theatre’s future.

The council paid £185000 for the new purchase, which will be added to the Kings existing lease, joining number 24 Albert Road and the theatre itself.

Paul Woolf, chairman of the Kings Theatre Trust, said: “This is a fantastic step towards our regeneration vision for the theatre and allows us to assess our plans with a holistic approach to the entire site”

“We are delighted that the council has been so supportive and has been able to secure this property for us. We are very grateful for their ongoing support and hope this excellent collaboration can continue throughout the regeneration project.”

Cllr Linda Symes, the council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure & Sport, said: “I am delighted we have been able to help move the Kings Theatre’s regeneration plans forward and we are looking forward to working with them on the next stages of this project”