HORESCROSS Arts has welcomed additional funding – pledged by project partners Perth & Kinross Council – towards the on-going restoration and redevelopment of Perth Theatre, and announced three open sessions which are being held for members of the public to find out more about progress on the project.
Says a spokesperson: “Following a detailed design, cost and programme review, to ensure that the design meets the project brief, the total cost of the transformation of the historic venue is now £16.6m.
“At a meeting of councillors this week, Perth & Kinross Council agreed to revise their contribution, adding £1.532m to their financial support for the project.
“This brings the amount Horsecross Arts has now been pledged for the Perth Theatre redevelopment to £15.1m from project partners Perth & Kinross Council, Creative Scotland, The Gannochy Trust, the Heritage Lottery Fund, trusts and foundations, generous individuals and other supporters or funding bodies.
“The creative organisation behind Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre continues to work hard to raise an additional £1.5 million to ensure that the newly-transformed venue is fully-equipped and furnished for a new century of theatre in Perth.
“Trusts and foundations, local businesses, communities and many of the theatre’s patrons have been showing their support. Theatre lovers and audiences have also been playing their part through donation schemes and seat sponsorship.”
Commenting on the latest funding pledge, Gwilym Gibbons, chief executive for Horsecross Arts, said:
“As the original plans to transform Perth Theatre were drawn up some time ago, Horsecross Arts and Perth & Kinross Council agreed that it was important to carry out a thorough review of the design proposals.
“This has caused a delay in the visible work starting on site, although we have been very busy behind the scenes. It remains our objective to get on site during 2015 with the restored and redeveloped theatre due to reopen in 2017.
“I’m really pleased the project has reached this significant stage and that, subject to final design work and contract negotiations, building work can now get underway, thanks to Perth and Kinross Council closing the final gap in the construction budget.
“I am grateful for the hard work of Perth & Kinross Council as lead partners of the construction project for their painstaking and comprehensive review of all aspects of this combined, refurbishment, new build and complex restoration.
“Horsecross Arts is working in close partnership with Perth & Kinross Council to ensure that the transformed Perth Theatre will exceed the expectations of our audiences and theatre makers with a view to creating a theatre in Perth that we can all be proud of for future generations to enjoy.”
Horsecross Arts and Perth & Kinross Council are inviting members of the public to attend one of three open sessions for an update on progress towards the restoration and redevelopment of Perth Theatre.
The Transform Perth Theatre open sessions will take place on Wednesday 29 April in Perth Concert Hall’s Norie-Miller Studio at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm.
As well as brief presentations from Horsecross Arts chair Magnus Linklater, chief executive Gwilym Gibbons and Bill Black from Richard Murphy Architects, attendees can find out about how they can get involved in sharing memories through the Perth Theatre Heritage Project and supporting the theatre through various fundraising activities.
There will also be an opportunity for questions and discussion and to examine the theatre plans.
The open sessions are free, but ticketed. Spaces are limited, so it is advisable to book in advance through Horsecross Arts Box Office on 01738 621031.
Perth Theatre has a long history of artistic innovation and excellence having been at the heart of cultural life in Perth for over a century.
The transformation of the theatre will restore and redevelop one of Scotland’s oldest and best-loved theatres for generations to come.
The B-listed Edwardian auditorium will be restored to its former glory and a new 200 seat studio theatre will be created.
The newly-transformed venue will have increased workshop spaces for creative learning and community projects including the thriving Perth Youth Theatre and there will be improved access and facilities for audiences and visitors.
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Horsecross Arts contact details…
Contact: Pam Dochard
Phone: 07884017199
Email: pdochard@horsecross.co.uk
Website: http://www.horsecross.co.uk
