The Birmingham Repertory Theatre (REP) is set to undergo a £193m overhaul as part of a joint scheme to redevelop the Library of Birmingham.

The joint venture development, led by Birmingham City Council and The REP, is designed by Dutch architect Mecanoo to create a 31,000sq ft "centre for culture and knowledge" in Centenary Square. The library will be built adjacent to the theatre and integrated with The REP at the ground floor and mezzanine levels. They will also share a foyer, a café and a bar, a restaurant and a new 300-seat studio theatre. While the library and The REP will retain their own clear identities, the development is intended to create opportunities for new writing and the emerging art forms such as performance poetry and live literature. Having a third, flexible mid-scale auditorium is also meant to expand the range of dramatic works. There will also be the added provision of conference suites, rehearsal rooms, dressing rooms and workshops.

As part of the proposed development the theatre's original facade will be sensitively restored. The REP, which was founded in 1913, holds around 20 productions a year and currently features two theatres: the Door, which has up to 190 seats, and the Main Stage which can host up to 824 people. For the work to go ahead theatre productions will move out of Centenary Square for a couple of years and will be performed in a range of venues across the city. Plans for this will be announced late 2009.

A planning application is expected to be submitted this summer with the view of starting construction work in 2010 and completing the project by 2013.