Curtain up to turn old Alhambra into tourist destination
Plans are being developed to breathe new life into a hidden Stirling asset which has lain unused in the heart of the city for decades.
The former Alhambra Theatre, part of the larger Stirling Arcade complex, has been vacant for 50 years.
In its time the theatre site has also been a cinema and furniture showroom.
But the building’s owners Arcade Developments hope to turn it into a ‘Scottish Drinks and Spirits Experience’ focusing on whisky and gin.
Arcade Developments director Kevin Moore said:“We have a fantastic resource here, lying unused in the centre of Stirling. We’d love to be able to use this space to create something unique, that would breathe new life into the old theatre.
“A homage to Scotland’s spirit industry, including the old favourites gin and whisky, would complement the existing visitor attractions and bring more footfall to King Street and the Stirling Arcade”.
Mr Moore estimates the cost of the project, which requires a full internal refit including roof repairs, will be between £1m to £9m.
Arcade Developments are currently discussing the project with a number of bodies including Stirling Council, Stirling City Heritage Trust and the new Stirling BID company.
Mr Moore added:“The idea is to provide Stirling City Centre with a major tourist draw that will see tourists visit and stay within the city centre and not just the outlying tourist attractions.
“All too often tour buses visit the Wallace Monument, Stirling Castle and Bannockburn Heritage Centre, but do not provide as much benefit to the local traders as could be the case.”
The theatre opened as the Arcade Theatre in 1882 as part of the larger arcade complex built between 1879 and 1882.
For the first few decades of its existence it staged variety shows – including performances by Scottish singer and comedian Sir Harry Lauder.
Its name was changed to the Alhambra Theatre in 1912 and it was converted into a cinema in 1931.
The cinema closed in the 1950s and the space was last used as a bedding and furniture outlet in the 1960s.
Stirling MP Stephen Kerr MP, who recently visited the site, said: “This truly is a hidden gem. It’s an amazing space with its striking wooden ceiling and huge interior. It’s such a shame that it has gone unused for so long.
“I fully support the group’s plans to renovate and utilise this forgotten location.
“Arcade Developments have exciting plans that would showcase Scotland’s world-leading spirits industry.
“I will do everything I can to help progress these plans.”