The colonial-style building, which served as a British administrative centre in the early 1900s, can accommodate up to 600 people.

The old post office at the rear of the building is also being turned into an art gallery.

The transformation is being undertaken under Package 2 of the Ipoh Heritage Tourism initiative overseen by the Ipoh City Council (MBI) as part of its efforts to preserve the city’s heritage buildings.

Mayor Rumaizi Baharin said the renovation cost of over RM11 million is being funded by the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority.

The performing arts centre will be open to the public early next year, he told Bernama.

He said the project will not only boost the local theatre and music industry but is also aligned with Ipoh’s designation as a “City of Music” by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s Creative Cities Network in November last year.