Chris Honer has announced that he will step down as artistic director of Manchester's Library Theatre Company in 2014.
The year of his departure is significant as it is the projected date for when the company will merge with Cornerhouse Cinema to move into its new home, yet to be built in the First Street complex on the outskirts of Manchester's city centre.
Honer said, "I’m delighted that in these challenging times the Library Theatre Company has secured a great future in partnership with Cornerhouse.
"Leading the LTC has been a terrific job, and I’m very proud of all the Company has achieved, but, after more than twenty years, I think it’s time for someone else to have a go.
"Announcing my departure now allows the new Artistic Director to be appointed soon to help plan the programme for the new building."
The new building will have a 500-seat theatre, a studio space, five cinema screens and other facilities in a site beside the location of the company's currently-running production of Manchester Lines by Jackie Kay.