Bulldozers move in at iconic Perth Theatre.

The redevelopment will incorporate as much of the original detail as possible

The redevelopment of Perth Theatre marked a construction milestone yesterday as sections of the historic building were torn down to make way for a major expansion.

The £16.6 million project has been described as a key part of the city’s regeneration.

Bulldozers demolished old workshops and rehearsal rooms at the rear of the building, exposing the original Edwardian auditorium wall that will be a feature of the new theatre.

The demolition paves the way for a new foyer, restaurant and bar, as well as a 200-seat studio theatre, community room and lift.

The auditorium will be meticulously restored with the walls, plasterwork, seating, flooring and lighting repaired and replaced and the original decorative interior replicated.

Magnus Linklater, chairman of Horsecross Arts, said: “The demolition work at the back of the building has begun, and it is here that our exciting new premises will emerge.

“When the new Perth Theatre opens its doors towards the end of 2017, our audiences will find a theatre that they will recognise immediately, but which has been completely redecorated and restored, opening into a magnificent new building, with its entrance on Mill Street, in which they will find every modern facility that a 21st Century theatre should have.”

Horsecross Arts has already been pledged £15.1m from various sources, including Perth and Kinross Council.

Chief executive Gwilym Gibbons said good progress was being made to secure the remaining £1.5m.

“All the money raised goes straight back into supporting our arts and creative learning programmes, not to mention the broader economic benefits to the surrounding area of attracting top organisations and business visitors to Perth,” he said.

“This extra flexibility will prove an enticing prospect to our many corporate clients, helping us increase earned income and reduce reliance on public funding.”

Council leader Ian Miller said: “The transformation of Perth Theatre is a key part of the council’s aim to develop a cultural quarter for Perth city centre, so it is very exciting to see first-hand the start of work on this major project.

“On completion, the theatre will be ready for many more years of entertaining and enthralling audiences of all ages and interests.”

Next month Horsecross Arts will host a drop-in session to let the public hear more about the development and the ongoing fundraising drive.

Pictures: Angus Findlay. Builders moved onto the site and began demolition of the old workshops and rehearsal rooms at the back of the theatre to make room for the extension.

Rubble being removed from behind the studio theatre.

Most senior community participant, Freda Cummings, with the youngest, 18-month-old Laughlan McIntosh Grigg, and his dad, Chris Grigg.