The curtain fell on a 54-year era of entertainment at Fairfield Halls on Saturday as the venue prepares to shut for a £30m redevelopment.

A sell-out performance for comedian Jimmy Carr was the last public show held in the Concert Hall on Saturday before the venue officially closes for two years on Friday.

The popular comedian recorded a message of support for the 220 staff who will lose their jobs.

A sign reading simply "goodbye" has been erected on an outside wall of the venue that normally bears the details of upcoming shows.

Simon Thomsett, Fairfield’s chief executive, said: “We would like to take this opportunity to recognise the achievements of our talented team and their hard work in some challenging times.

“Their phenomenal efforts are reflected in record attendances throughout 2015/2016. We can feel proud that we are going out on a high.”

Croydon Council has promised the revamp of the halls, the plans for which won a New London Architecture award this month, will transform it into a venue to “outdo the South Bank”.

They also include a new Croydon College building and more than 2,000 homes, offices, restaurants and shops spread across land between George Street, Park Lane and Barclay Road in a £750m cultural quarter.

Cllr Timothy Godfrey, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said: “Today is an important step towards restoring and refurbishing Fairfield for the people of Croydon.

“What we are 100% committed to is ensuring this huge investment will bring about a big return for the local community.

“In two years’ time we will be in a position to bring in some top-quality touring productions and shows, as well as working hand-in-hand with the huge number of community arts groups that are active in Croydon.”

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An artist's impression of the new-look Fairfield Halls, scheduled to open in 2018

Plans to close to close Fairfield Halls for redevelopment were first announced in October last year and met fierce opposition from its management, staff and Conservative opposition councillors, who wanted parts of the theatre complex to remain open during the work.

A noisy debate ensued about the impact of the closure, with the venue’s bosses warning it may never win back audiences once the venue reopens.

Andy Hylton, a Fairfield technician who has led the Save our Fairfield campaign to keep it open, said: “We will be watching over the progress of the Fairfield Halls and voice our concerns if they arise in the future.

“We sincerely hope that Fairfield will be returned to its former glory as quickly as possible, and that it can continue to be a viable asset to Croydon and a world class concert hall once more.”

Staff past and present bowed out with a reunion party at the Halls on Sunday followed by drinks at town-centre bar Bad Apple.

The halls are set to reopen in the summer of 2018.