LAHORE, May 5: The historic Bagh-i-Jinnah Open Air Theatre will be renovated at an estimated cost of Rs5 million. Built in 1940 at a hillock in the then Lawrence Gardens , the theatre had its first cosmetic renovation in 1982 when the main staircase for the visitors was added to its structure.

Since then the place has been neglected despite its historical and cultural importance. With the decline in the stage performances, its main activity over the past several years has been the annual All Pakistan Music Conference organized by Mr Hayat Ahmad Khan.

The administrative approval of the project has been given by the information and culture department which was now awaiting the permission of the finance department to utilize the Rs5 million estimated for it, official sources said on Wednesday.

The work is likely to start this month, giving the due to one of Lahore's important cultural landmarks, they added. They said the main building of the theatre comprising offices of the management, the mini-stage and the main stage were in a state of disrepair because of the seepage of water in the foundations. The roofs too were dilapidated and could cave in any time.

The plan include reconstruction of the offices, provision of the missing make-up and rehearsal rooms for the artistes and a green room where they could wait for their performance after make-up.

The floor of the main stage would be constructed and new lighting system installed. Toilets would also be built. The walk-way and the staircase would be repaired and fenced.

The entire area of the theatre would also be fenced to prevent trespassing by unauthorized people into the main theatre. Railing would be fixed along the staircase so that old people and children could easily reach the top.

The Punjab agriculture department would be involved for landscaping and plantation of flower beds for enhancing the look of the place. The project would be completed within a year, making the Open Air Theatre a suitable place for cultural activities, the officials said.