A theatre is finally reopening after a £1.75million revamp - more than double the planned cost.

The theatre in Giffnock, East Renfrewshire, part of a complex which is also home to Eastwood swimming pool, has been closed since October 2004 with work being hit by delays.

Rising costs and a change of building contractor meant work didn't start on the Eastwood Theatre until January 2006 - seven months after the refurbishment was scheduled to begin.

The original budget of £750,000, set aside by East Renfrewshire Council, spiralled when exploratory work on the 1970s building revealed more extensive upgrading was required.

But the curtain will go up at the community stage - renamed Eastwood Park Theatre - on Thursday with a performance from folk band Salsa Celtica.

Allan Steele, community services convener, said: "It has been a long wait but I'm sure everyone who sees the redesigned, renamed and revamped building will agree it's been worth every moment."

The work carried out over the last year includes a partial demolition, new steel and glass frontage, a lift for disabled access, and a new bar and cafe as well as an exhibition galley.

An extra 31 seats have been added to the theatre to take the capacity up from 303 to 334.

Craig Allan, Eastwood Park Theatre operations officer, is delighted with the results of the revamp.

He said: "We are embarking on a new era at the theatre with refurbished facilities and a new season of music and drama."

Paisley-based firm Clark Contracts, which has also worked on Glasgow's King's Theatre and Theatre Royal, carried out the work on the building.

Artwork from pupils at nearby St Ninian's High School will be on display before the opening show and tickets, priced £12 for adults and £8 concession, are still available from the box office on 0141 577 4970.