The multi-million pound transformation of Perth Theatre has reached another milestone with the arrival of a massive, sky-scraping crane.
The 230ft machine, which has dramatically changed the city skyline, was installed at the heart of the construction site.
It will stand tall until the end of the year, while sections of the skeleton of the new three-storey building are swung into place.
Work on the ambitious redevelopment got under way earlier this year and is on target for a relaunch in late 2017.
So far, an extension – completed in 1985 – has been completely demolished to make way for a bright new foyer, bar, restaurant and 200-capacity studio theatre.
The remains of the property have been crushed into the foundations of the new building.
Meanwhile, the B-listed Edwardian auditorium is being restored to its former glory with all original features such as walls, plasterwork, seating and lighting will be repaired and replaced.
Craig Bulloch, senior project manager for Robertson Construction Tayside, said: “The crane has been put in place at the centre of the atrium.
“The idea is that we will build around it and then remove it from the centre, before fitting the roof on.”
He said the crane, which is bigger than the Scott Monument and even larger than the original Godzilla, is scheduled to stay until the end of November.
Passers-by on Mill Street stopped to watch the crane being installed. In a lengthy operation on Wednesday, the rigging was moved into place using another crane.
The restoration of the main auditorium is also going well, with all areas – including the Gods seating – opened to the public for the first time since the 1960s.
During the work, construction crews have uncovered hidden rooms and long-forgotten artefacts. Old ticket stubs, some dating back to 1912, were found in the upper circle.
All the artefacts, some taken from long-forgotten cupboards and hideaways, will eventually go on show as part of a project by the theatre’s memory collective team.
The group of volunteers are working to investigate the history of the theatre and are putting together a performance with local schoolchildren.
To contribute to the memory project contact creativelearning@horsecross.co.uk
