Polka Theatre in Wimbledon has secured £2.5 million funding from the Arts Council towards a major redevelopment.

Work on the building is planned to begin in February 2019, in what will be the theatre's 40th year.

Polka on The Broadway is the UK’s only theatre venue exclusively for children, from babies up to 12-year olds.

The Future Polka project, which will cost £6.5m overall, will include a new adventure theatre which will be the UK’s first purpose-built ‘early years’ theatre big enough to accommodate increased demand for shows for under-sixes.

It will also feature rehearsal and creative learning studios, new bathroom and baby change facilities and designated buggy park, improved access and an expanded café and redesigned outdoor playground.

Peter Glanville, Polka Theatre’s artistic director and chief executive, said: “Since the theatre opened nearly 40 years ago, Polka has been at the forefront of providing wide-reaching and imaginative children’s theatre and a dedicated venue for young audiences.

“We’re thrilled to have secured further funding towards our capital redevelopment and we hope that some of Polka’s many past and current visitors will also pledge their support, so we can undertake much-needed improvements to our premises and continue to offer a unique theatre environment.”

Tarek Iskander, director, theatre for Arts Council England, said: “Polka Theatre is an established leader in the provision of work for children up to twelve years old and proposed capital plans will see them become a National Centre for Early Years Theatre in response to an increasing demand for this genre of work.”