Perth theatregoers have been assured that the ambitious plans to restore and redevelop one of Scotland’s oldest and best loved venues are on track and on budget.
The man tasked with delivering the transformation of Perth Theatre, Horsecross Arts chief executive Gwilym Gibbons, said that, while there is not much to see at the moment, a “huge amount of work” is going on behind the scenes.
He said: “As the original plans were drawn up some time ago, Horsecross Arts and Perth and Kinross Council agreed it was important to review the design proposal in order to ensure that we were still in line with the projected budget of £15 million.
“This has caused a delay in the work starting on site. However, we are now in a position to confirm that work on site will be commencing in 2015, with Perth Theatre still reopening in 2017.”
Designs are being reviewed in detail to make sure the building will deliver everything which audiences, performers and artists will expect of the theatre, while remaining within budget.
Mr Gibbons, who has only been in post for a month, is adamant that the project will deliver a “lovely marriage of the new and the historic building”.
The B-listed Edwardian auditorium will be restored to its former glory, with the orchestra pit reinstated and a new 225-seat studio theatre created.
The High Street entrance will remain in operation but the new faade on Mill Street will ensure that the theatre is accessible to all.
“It is so important that we protect the building at the heart of the development but also create a buzzing hub,” said Mr Gibbons.
A cafe and restaurant, space for informal meetings, and facilities for singing groups and youth theatre will ensure that the theatre will serve all of the community.
Mr Gibbons who delivered a major capital project in the Shetlands, the £14m Mareel Cinema in Lerwick is fully aware of how important Perth Theatre is to local people.
“The building is deep in the psyche of this community,” he acknowledged.
Of the funding required, £13.5m has been pledged and a public and private fundraising campaign is on course to raise the other £1.5m.
As part of that, sponsors are being invited to secure dedicated seats within the both the main auditorium and the new studio theatre.
Mr Gibbon’s other responsibility as chief executive of Horsecross is Perth Concert Hall, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in September.
More than 400,000 people pass through its doors every year, providing a significant boost to the Perth and Kinross economy which runs into millions of pounds.
Mr Gibbons praised local support saying: “Venues do not work by themselves. The people of Perth and Kinross were ready for it and they have made it work.”