Haworth Tompkins’ competition-winning scheme for a new £28 million theatre in Liverpool has been submitted for planning this week.

The proposals for a 400-seat auditorium, plus community and rehearsal space, office space and a café, bar and bistro, will replace the city’s Everyman Theatre.

The red-brick building features a new frontage comprising 105 life-size abstract portraits transferred on to aluminium shutters.

It is hoped work will begin on site next spring, and that the new Everyman will open in 2013.

The firm was appointed to design the theatre after beating shortlisted firms Ian Ritchie, Artsteam, LDN and Keith Williams to the job.

The Everyman redevelopment is the first of a two-stage plan for the upgrading of Liverpool’s two producing theatres.

Liverpool & Merseyside Theatres Trust intends to proceed with a Haworth Tompkins scheme for the Playhouse after completion of the new Everyman.