New details of £16.5m plans for Perth Theatre

Proposal for main auditorium revealed Application includes second studio theatre

Highly anticipated plans to breathe new life into one of Scotland’s oldest theatres took a major leap forward last night.

Developers submitted fresh details of their £16.5 million Perth Theatre redevelopment project.

The new proposals show how the historic main auditorium will be brought back to life for future generations.

Horsecross Arts, which is leading the project, is planning an extensive programme of repairs and upgrades as well as creating a modern new entrance on Mill Street.

The planning application, which will now be subject to a public consultation exercise, also reveals plans for a second studio theatre.

If approved, the new look theatre could open its doors in late 2017.

Long-awaited plans for a radical transformation of Perth Theatre have been tabled with council chiefs.

Project leaders Horsecross Arts have for the first time revealed details of how the £16.5 million campaign will restore the 115-year old venue’s main auditorium to its former glory.

A 200-capacity studio theatre will also be created for intimate theatre shows, live music and comedy events.

Last night, Horsecross chief executive Gwilym Gibbons said: “The submission of these detailed plans is an exciting step along the way to transforming Perth Theatre and means we are on track to re-open in late 2017.

“Planning is a very important consultation and decision-making stage, but we hope to go through that process smoothly so that we can move forward in earnest with the project to transform Perth Theatre into a 21st Century space of which Perth can be proud.”

If approved, the newly transformed venue will have extra workshop space for learning and community projects including the Perth Youth Theatre which celebrates its 50th anniversary next year.

Horsecross Arts has already been pledged £15.1m for the project from partners Perth and Kinross Council, Creative Scotland, the Glennochy Trust, the Heritage Lottery Fund and other trusts, foundations and individual supporters.

The group is now working hard to raise the extra £1.5m to ensure the new-look venue is fully equipped and furnished for a new generation of theatre-goers.

Mr Gibbons said local organisations, businesses, communities and patrons were showing their support, while audiences have been donating via a seat sponsorship plan.

Customers have the option of donating £1 or more when booking tickets for Perth Concert Hall events online.

Perth High Street became home to Perth Theatre in 1899.

A time capsule buried in the foundations included a copy of The Courier from October 4 of that year.

We are on track to reopen in late 2017.

GWILYM GIBBONS

An artist’s impression of how Perth Theatre will look from Mill Street.

An artist’s impression of how Perth Theatre would look under the planners’ vision.

Artist’s impression of the interior.