Playhouse Project edges closer to securing vital £1.67m funding

The Montrose Playhouse Project is one step closer to securing £1.67 million towards its dream of setting up an arts centre and three-screen digital cinema complex in the town.

David Paton, chairman and founder, has revealed the charity has made it through to the next round of its application for funding from the Scottish Government’s regeneration capital grant fund.

If successful, work on refurbishment of the former swimming pool could begin in April 2019 with the complex opening in early 2020.

Mr Paton said the application had been made in partnership with Angus Council, the lead applicant for the scheme.

“The next step involves a much more detailed application, showing the benefits and positive outcomes the facility will have for the area,” he said.

“The council and our team are hard at work on this as we speak. Success with this fund will also attract the other funding we need to complete the project.”

The group is also hoping to push ahead with its crowdfunding plans, which will allow supporters to put their name on the Playhouse, whether it be on a brick, a seat or a whole screen.

Mr Paton said the response from the community so far had allowed project leaders to show funders “the need, the desire and the tremendous benefit which the Playhouse will have to Montrose and the surrounding areas”.

The swimming pool was declared surplus to requirements by Angus Council in late 2012. As well as cinema screens, the Playhouse will boast rentable multi-purpose rooms and a café bar.