Good news over £15m theatre plan

CONCERNS OVER funding may have undermined the excitement surrounding Perth Theatre’s regeneration but the ambitious project has now taken a major leap forward.

Horsecross Arts and Perth and Kinross Council have announced the appointment of Robertson Construction Group as the main contractor for the redevelopment.

That will enable the £15 million project to begin in earnest and breathe new life into one of Scotland’s oldest theatres.

“With Robertson Construction Group on board and initial work on site poised to get under way this summer, we very much look forward to seeing the transformation of Perth Theatre take shape,” said Horsecross Arts chairman Magnus Linklater.

“Projections show that a redeveloped Perth Theatre, along with Perth Concert Hall will contribute an estimated £6m to the Scottish economy annually. This is a fantastic opportunity for the local community to come together to create a valuable legacy for future generations to enjoy.”

Councilleaderandprojectboardchairman Ian Miller said: “The redevelopment and expansion of Perth Theatre is a key part of the council’s ongoing plans for the regeneration of the city and will help to cement the area’s reputation as an arts destination of national importance.”

The project will restore the B-listed Edwardian auditorium to its former glory and create a 225-seat studio theatre and increased workshop spaces.

The project has already received pledges of £13.5m, which will enable it to begin without delay, but the council has been forced to underwrite a grant of up to £1.5m to plug the funding gap. Horsecross is working to raise those funds so that the council does not have to bail out the project.

Picture: Steve MacDougall. Cayla Colquhoun, 3, from Perth, enjoyed the final day of the world village market in the Fair City yesterday. The colourful market on King Edward Street featured exotic world cooking, foods, arts, crafts, clothing and jewellery.

Pictures: Louis Flood/Steve MacDougall. Lunchtime school concerts in St John’s Kirk are a popular feature of Perth Festival of the Arts. One of the highlights of the programme by Strathallan School’s Chapel Choir was their rendition of Chilcott’s Can You Hear Me?, part of which was performed...