Old theatre roof set for an encore Historic ceiling in Stirling Arcade could be revamped
A hidden architectural gem in the heart of Stirling could be brought back into use thanks to proposed work to its roof.
Stirling Council planners have recommended conditional approval of a listed building application for the A-listed Stirling Arcade.
While the Arcade itself is still functioning and is home to a host of independent retail outlets, the Alhambra Theatre which is part of the building, has been redundant for many years.
In 2018 Arcade Developments announced plans to turn it into a ‘Scottish Drinks and Spirits Experience’ focusing on whisky and gin, estimating the total costs of the project to be between £1m to £9m.
The former theatre, vacant for 50 years, has also been a cinema and furniture showroom.
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.
With the outbreak of World War Two the cinema closed its doors in 1939 and the space was last used as a bedding and furniture outlet in the 1960s.
But with the closure of the Menzies department store, the former theatre lay vacant for decades.
The theatre’s ornate ceiling was described in an old newspaper article as one of the ‘little-known treasures of Stirling’.
It once included panels of decorative moulds which had been painted in a variety of colours.
However, the ceiling declined over the years and the high cost of restoration made it impracticable to preserve .
The listed building application will see existing slate roofing removed, wood fibre insulation installed and other works carried out.
In their recommendation, council planners said: “These proposed works are intended to make the building wind and watertight to allow it to be brought back into use. The internal roof structure of the theatre is important to the character of the building.
“The various works proposed are to be executed in a manner that is sympathetic to the original character of this listed building, with all materials proposed being of high quality/finish and traditional in character.”
Only the theatre/cinema section of the arcade is registered on the Buildings At Risk Register, however while its condition is described as poor it is deemed to be at low risk.
The register says: “The theatre was situated within the arcade above the shops. Access was by the extant elegant cantilevered dog-leg staircase with decorative cast-iron balusters and serpentine curved top landing on thin cast iron columns, with some fine decorative plasterwork. In 1964 the space was converted to a furniture showroom for Thomas Menzies Ltd.
“It was sold to William Crawford in 1912 and renamed the Alhambra Music Hall. It was then used for cine-variety and became a full-time cinema in 1930. The cinema closed in 1939 due to perceived fire risk.”