A £4.6 million transformation of The Met is set to begin in a matter of weeks after a major fundraising boost for the venue.

Arts Council England has made a £3.1 million investment to help renovate the historic building, which has been supplemented by contributions from Bury Council and other benefactors.

Refurbishment work designed to increase the venue's capacity and attract more national talent to perform in Bury will begin in March and is expected to be finished by November.

Bury Metropolitan Arts Association (BMAA), the charity that runs The Met, has spent the past four years securing funds for the redevelopment project.

As well as being used to restore the building’s heritage features and transform the interior with new facilities and an increased capacity, the funding will also be put towards improved studio and theatre spaces, a new bar area, workshop spaces, new dressing rooms and a more accessible lift in the centre of the venue.

The Met's artistic director, David Agnew, who has led the capital project since 2011, said: "The building is in dire need of investment but this project is about more than just the building.

"In the past five years we have grown to offer a programme of festivals, and Edwin Street Recording Studio, alongside a regular programme of international touring artists and weekly workshops.

"Our partners and audiences are supporting the work we have been carrying out in Bury and plan to continue with into the future.

"Bury’s arts and culture is a huge part of its success and we are delighted to have this investment to continue with a programme that is both relevant to local communities and brings artists and audiences into Bury."

As well as Arts Council England, financial support has come from Bury Council, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Oglesby Foundation, the Monument Trust, the Granada Foundation, Manchester Guardian, public donations and individual giving.

Alison Clark, Director North of Arts Council England, said: "We very pleased to invest in Bury Met’s exciting renovation plans which will enable it to attract more high profile artists and productions to the town, benefitting both local and visiting audiences."

The Met welcomes over 45,000 people a year to Bury through its events, recording studio and festivals programme, including Ramsbottom Festival and Homegrown festivals.

It is ranked 39th in the PRS Top 100 Venues in the UK and has hosted performances from the likes of Joy Division, Elbow, Steve Coogan, Eddie Izzard, Johnny Vegas, Caroline Aherne and Lee Evans.

Cllr Paddy Heneghan, Bury Council’s cabinet member for children, young people and culture, added: "We are absolutely delighted that the Arts Council has chosen to make such a significant investment in Bury’s major arts venue.

"The council is also pleased to be able to add its own financial support to this excellent scheme. I have no doubt that a more customer-friendly arts centre will undoubtedly increase the cultural offer of the borough, enhancing its reputation and improving even more the attractiveness of Bury town centre as a visitor destination.

"The proposed refurbishment will also significantly improve one of Bury’s most important historical buildings, making it more sustainable for the future."

The Met will be closed for renovations from mid-March, while the venue’s restaurant and bar, Automatic Café, will remain open, closing for just two weeks in June as part of the redevelopment. A site-specific programme of live music and events will continue throughout the building’s renovation.

Fundraising efforts are continuing and people can donate to the building scheme through the purchase of a seat in the theatre by visiting themet.biz/better/have-a-seat or donate £5 by texting 'BMAA01 £5' to 70070.