Officials insists the redevelopment of Perth Theatre is still on course, despite Perth and Kinross Council holding more than £3 million of funding for a year.
While fundraising for the £13 million project continues, the council revealed in its latest budget snapshot that it was deferring its payment, due this financial year a decision that led to questions from councillors about the project”s future.
The council”s executive director of education and children”s services, John Fyffe, told Wednesday”s meeting of the strategic policy and resources committee: “Overall funding to establish the baseline for the project is £3 million from the council, £3 million from the Gannochy Trust and £500,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
“A number of pledges have come from other areas but not come through yet so we decided that, rather than make a decision on progress, we”ll hold it for 12 months which was the strong advice from the Horsecross board.
“In terms of the overall fundraising challenge, we”re not there yet. But I”m very hopeful we can still meet our fundraising target in a year”s time.”
Councillor Willie Wilson, a board member of Horsecross, which operates the theatre, said: “The scheme is still on target and the raising of additional funding is at a delicate stage in terms of speaking to a variety of bodies nationally and locally.
“The Horsecross board and staff are working hard to meet targets. There should be no confusion here about the phasing of finances and the project itself.”
Asked if the council will meet any inflationary costs as a result of the delay, council leader Ian Miller said: “That is pure conjecture. The delay is in a financial sense and doesn”t mean there will be any delay to the project.
“We”re committed to the project and it will be a huge benefit to Perth and the city status bid.
“We live in difficult financial times and need to be aware of that and take it into account. Whether or not the funding position becomes a reality depends on the forthcoming financial climate.”
The ambitious plans will see the heart of the historic theatre building retained while improving access, creating new rooms for youth and community use and adding a new 225-seat performance area.
The period features of the B-listed Edwardian auditorium will also be restored.
A new main entrance will be built in Mill Street while the High Street frontage will also be improved.