A project to restore the front of Eastbourne’s Grade II* listed Congress Theatre has scooped an Excellence Award for design and innovation.

The scheme won the refurbishment category of the Schueco Excellence Awards 2016, which is run in conjunction with the Journal of the Royal Institution of British Architects (RIBA).

Councillor David Tutt, Leader of the Council, said: “We are very proud of this fantastic project which carefully balanced restoring the theatre’s iconic façade to its former glory while making the building more energy efficient.

“It was the first part of our wider plans for Devonshire Park which will greatly enhance our reputation as a cultural and conferencing destination, as well as improve facilities for local people.”

Eastbourne Borough Council used conservation surveyors Faithful + Gould to lead the refurbishment project, supported by Triton Building Restoration and glazing company Structura.

The panel of judges, headed up by the Hugh Pearman, editor of the RIBA Journal, praised the accomplished way the team worked with the listed fabric of the 1,600-seater theatre.

One of the judges, Paul Monaghan, said: “It’s a good example of the post-war cultural estate being refurbished to enable continued use.”

Conservation Surveyor Richard Stocking from Faithful + Gould added: “I’m delighted the Congress is receiving the recognition it deserves. Our project team was truly collaborative.”

Monty Python star Michael Palin opened the fully restored theatre last October following an investment of nearly £2million to restore and improvement the iconic façade.