"Exciting" progress has been made on an iconic town centre venue as Watford Borough Council shared a look inside the refurbishment.

Watford Colosseum has been closed since December 2020 and is due to reopen this autumn with a fresh new look, including revamped bar areas and a forum hall on the ground floor.

In a post online, WBC said it has been safely removing hazardous asbestos from the 1938 grade-II listed building’s auditorium while preserving its “legendary sound quality”.

Asbestos is being removed from the 1938s world-renowned auditorium.Asbestos is being removed from the 1938s world-renowned auditorium. (Image: Watford Borough Council) The soundtracks to The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and The Sound of Music were recorded at the venue and it was awarded a blue plaque in 2017 for its “world renowned acoustics”.

How the Watford Colosseum is expected to look once completed.How the Watford Colosseum is expected to look once completed. (Image: Watford Borough Council) Photos show that the new stage and portal frame have now been installed, while scaffolding remains around the auditorium’s windows.

The revamp will see four new bars added to the venue.The revamp will see four new bars added to the venue. (Image: Watford Borough Council)

Four new bars will be added to the venue in the revamp as their wooden structures have been completed and are set for decoration.

The grade-II listed building's art deco lights have received a facelift.The grade-II listed building's art deco lights have received a facelift. (Image: Watford Borough Council) A new steel frame and walkways are also being added to the Colosseum’s roof, while its Art Deco ceiling lights have also received a facelift.

WBC shared photos of the exciting progress in the major refurbishment.WBC shared photos of the exciting progress in the major refurbishment. (Image: Watford Borough Council) AEG, which runs the 02 Arena, has been appointed to manage the Rickmansworth Road venue and the approved plans have been worked to its specific needs.

It comes after Watford mayor Peter Taylor wrote to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in late July after WBC still had not received £16,021,788 in funding for the venue and town centre improvements.

He recognised the new government may want to change funding arrangements, but said: "There seems to be general uncertainty in the department, and as a result Watford Borough Council, as to whether this funding will be forthcoming."

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government has confirmed it has received the letter and will be responding.