THE planned autumn reopening of the cafe/bar at the iconic Gaiety Theatre in Ayr continues on track this week with invites for tenders for the first phase of the internal restoration works, as well as a call for expressions of interest in the operation of the new cafe/bar facility.
Says a spokeperson: “This is the latest development in the joint project between South Ayrshire Council and Ayr Gaiety Partnership (AGP) to reopen the Gaiety, which was closed in January 2009.
“The council’s tender process is now underway for the first phase of the internal restoration works, which will be funded by the council’s capital programme, and will focus on the café/bar area on the ground floor as well as some upgrading of the first floor performance space.
“The works will be based on designs completed by the McLennan Partnership, which was appointed as the design team for the development of the cafe/bar and box office facilities in March.
“Subject to the conclusion of the tender process, work is expected to start on site towards the end of July.
“At the same time, Ayr Gaiety Partnership is seeking expressions of interest from companies/individuals keen to take over the running the café/bar once it is operational.
“By starting the process now, the Partnership hopes to ensure these exciting new facilities are open to the public as soon as possible after the completion of the capital works.”
Councillor Bill McIntosh, leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: “Things are really starting to move at the Gaiety now, and the works on the cafe/bar and the opening of the same later in the year will provide a truly tangible and visible sign of the extensive progress being made by the council and the Partnership to reopen this iconic facility.
“I’m sure this will generate a real buzz in the town and get lots of people excited about what has still to come, with the ultimate aim of getting people through the doors for a theatrical performance as soon as possible.
“Our ambition – subject to the external funding required – is still to see the Gaiety fully operational by the end of the year and, with this latest development, we are well on our way.”
Ian Welsh, chair of Ayr Gaiety Partnership, added: “The opening of the cafe/bar is a major step forward in the journey to reopen the Gaiety, and I am thrilled we are now at this important stage.
“When the cafe/bar opens, members of the public will – for the first time since the closure – have access once again to a part of the Gaiety, and that will be an historic moment.
“We hope there is a lot of interest in taking on the operational side of the cafe/bar and becoming part of the new Gaiety, which we hope will become the heart of the centre of cultural activities in South Ayrshire.”
For further information regarding the proposed catering operation or to register your interest with Ayr Gaiety Partnership, visit www.hallaitken.co.uk/gaiety. Expressions of interest must be submitted by midnight on Thursday 30 June.
LINK: http://www.thegaiety.co.uk
South Ayrshire Council is a founder member of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.
THE ELITE AYRSHIRE BUSINESS CIRCLE
The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle is an association founded in 2007 by some of the top companies in Ayrshire.
Its purpose is to publicise its members, and to celebrate and promote the wealth and rich diversity of entrepreneurial talent and business excellence that abounds here within the county boundaries of Ayrshire.
Members include the Clydesdale Bank, Ayr Racecourse, Western House Hotel, Turnberry Golf Resort and South Ayrshire Council. Member company activities include broadcasting, building and construction, architectural practice, estate agency and land management, chartered accountancy, insurance broking, legal services, golf club management, marketing services and brand creation, web design and public relations consultancy.
Frazer Coogans Commercial Solicitors senior partner Norman Geddes is executive chair of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle, and managing director is public relations consultancy Fame Publicity Services proprietor Murdoch MacDonald.
Founder members of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle:
South Ayrshire Council http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk
Clydesdale Bank http://www.cbonline.co.uk
Turnberry Hotel and Golf Resort http://www.turnberry.co.uk
Ayr Racecourse http://www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk
Western House Hotel http://www.westernhousehotel.co.uk
CKD Galbraith Property Consultants http://www.ckdgalbraith.co.uk
Frazer Coogans Solicitors http://www.frazercoogans.co.uk
Accident & Injury Claims Centre http://www.accidentclaims.com
MacKay Corporate Insurance Brokers http://www.mackaycorporate-brokers.com
Donald Ross Estate Agents: http://www.donaldross.co.uk
Westgale Ltd Building Contractors http://www.westgale.co.uk
Sinclair Scott Chartered Accountants http://www.sinclairscott.com
Paligap Creative Agency http://www.paligap.com
ARP Lorimer & Associates Architects http://www.arpl.co.uk
JB Management – Training Providers http://www.jb-management.com
Brunston Castle Golf Club http://www.brunstoncastle.co.uk
Visimetrics http://www.visimetrics.com
Fouters Restaurant http://www.fouters.co.uk
Christie Financial Planning Ltd http://www.christiefp.com
Allison Lightbody Waddell Chartered Surveyors http://www.alwsurveyors.com
Kestrel Press http://www.kestrelpress.com
Fame Publicity Services Public Relations Consultancy http://www.famepublicity.co.uk
West Sound Radio http://www.westsound.co.uk
http://www.westfm.co.uk
Easton Property
Easton Kitchens & Bathrooms
For further information about The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle and to apply for membership, e-mail eliteayrshire@gmail.com
Website: http://www.eliteayrshire.com.
MEDIA RELEASE posted by Fame Publicity Services. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Murdoch MacDonald
Phone: 01292 281498
Email: famepublicity@aol.com
Website: http://www.AyrshireScotlandBusinessNews.com
