A voluntary group that withdrew its proposal to reopen the Byre Theatre as a community venture is keen to talk to St Andrews University over its proposed rescue package.
Friends of the Byre secretary Alan Tricker, a former chief executive of the Byre Theatre Ltd, told The Courier the university plan could lead to a “vibrant and St Andrews-focused theatre again” if the community is involved in its operation.
The Courier revealed on Thursday that St Andrews University has proposed a major rescue package for the Byre that would result in the venue reopen ing permanently for university and community use.
In a formal bid to Fife Council which owns the building the university has outlined a sustainable management model designed to broaden the use and reach of the theatre for the wider population of St Andrews and Fife.
In a report to the council’s executive committee, which meets in Glenrothes today, head of leisure and cultural services Grant Ward recommends councillors agree to lease the Byre to the university.
Two other proposals one from Fife Cultural Trust and one from former Byre operations manager Stephen Sinclair are described as “viable” but would incur costs to the council.
Mr Tricker said: “The Friends exist to support whoever operates the Byre. Obviously, an independent Byre focused on drama would be ideal, as that is what the Byre was. But finances for that sort of Byre are just not available.
“If run by the university, the Byre will be a rather different sort of venue more music, for example.
“But as long as the university involves the local community in the operation of the theatre and engages with community groups that have used it regularly, then it could be a vibrant and St Andrews-focused theatre again.
“The Friends have written to the university, offering a discussion about links with the community and look forward to talking with them.”
Meanwhile, St Andrews Labour Fife councillor Brian Thomson expressed “cautious optimism” over the university proposal.
“In considering the respective proposals, a key determining factor has to be trying to ensure, to the best of the council’s ability, that a new operator of a reopened Byre Theatre does not get itself in the situation that led to the Byre’s closure in early 2013,” he said.
“Taking this into account, the fact the Fife Cultural Trust’s proposal is reliant on an annual grant of £100,000 from Creative Scotland with no commitment from Creative Scotland to maintain that funding beyond 2016-17 represents a major risk.
“It is also heavily reliant on a significant level of council funding, at a time of continuing pressure to reduce council expenditure. The proposal from Stephen Sinclair is also reliant on funding from Creative Scotland and the council but appears to represent an even bigger risk, as I understand he has not received, to date, any firm offer of funding from Creative Scotland.
“The university’s proposal, on the other hand, requires no financial support from either Creative Scotland or the council and appears to offer enhanced weekday term-time use for teaching purposes, and a full cultural and community programme on evenings, weekends and during holiday periods. My main concern regarding the university’s proposal is that public access and community use is maximised.”