Robin Snell and Partners is to transform the largest theatre in London’s West End as part of a £1.2m ($1.77m, €1.65m) renovation project.

The company won a competition run by the English National Opera (ENO) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for the revitalisation of the ground floor foyer of the grade II* listed London Coliseum.

The foyer will be opened up to provide uninterrupted views from the street, with the practice aiming to generate a sense of the excitement of the productions taking place within the theatre. The design will also create space for a new wine bar and café.

Originally designed by prolific theatre architect Frank Matcham, the 2,359-seat Coliseum first opened its doors in 1904.

Robin Snell and Partners said it would re-form the theatre’s Edwardian foyer rooms, restore the Roman mosaic floors to their original splendour, re-light the exterior and interior spaces, and position contemporary objects and furniture within the foyer, “all with the aim of bringing theatrical sparkle to the place”.

Keith Williams, founder of Keith Williams Architects and chairman of the RIBA Competitions awarding jury, said Robin Snell & Partners was chosen for “the sensitivity of their approach to Matcham's famous theatre as well as the breadth of their vision in seeing opportunities for the ultimate transformation of this much loved building”.

Renovation work is expected to begin in early 2016, subject to planning permission being granted.