Council gives Regal theatre £35,000 boost
Curtain up on funds
Bathgate’s Regal Theatre has received a £35,000 bail out to keep it open over the summer.
Following an approach by the board of the Regal Community Theatre in Bathgate, West Lothian Council has approved the oneoff payment. Council bosses approved the funding on the basis that the Regal Community Theatre Bathgate Limited (RCTBL) prepare a business plan by August 2017, with help from West Lothian Business Gateway, demonstrating a sustainable future for the Regal as a community theatre. The B-listed art deco cinema is owned by the council and is leased to, and managed by registered charity RCTBL.
As part of the funding agreement, the council has provided RCTBL with funding of £136,524 for 2017/18 in return for giving residents opportunities to take part in the arts.
West Lothian Council leader, Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “The Regal is a much-loved building in West Lothian, and this short-term funding allows it to continue as a community theatre while urgent work is carried out by the RCTBL board.
“It’s regrettable that RCTBL finds itself to this perilous financial position, but the one-off funding from the council provides an opportunity for the board to produce a robust business plan that will deliver a sustainable future for the Regal.
“Business Gateway staff will support the RCTBL board to develop the plan for the venue, which will consider actions such as increasing community involvement, developing new income sources and improving marketing.
“This will also include benchmarking with other successful community theatres, and the RCTBL board also intends to have discussion with West Lothian Leisure.”