Horsecross Arts has raised the curtain on ambitious plans to redevelop Perth Theatre and confirmed that the project has already secured offers of £5m towards its £13m target. A £3m grant offer from the Gannochy Trust was announced on Friday 28 May adding to the £2m originally committed to the theatre redevelopment in 2008 by Perth & Kinross Council, the owners of the building.
Outline plans drawn up by Richard Murphy Architects in consultation with Horsecross Arts and project partners Perth & Kinross Council, set out the vision for a theatre fit for the 21st century that will see the historic heart of the 110 year old building retained while improving access, creating new rooms for youth and community use and adding a new 225 seat performance space.
Under the redevelopment proposals the period features of the B listed Edwardian auditorium would be meticulously restored, visitors would have improved access throughout the building and audience comfort would be enhanced. Additional facilities would boost the theatre's already thriving youth and community programme and the creation of a 225 capacity studio theatre would bring a new range of drama and music events to the town.
Commenting on the plans, Jane Spiers chief executive of Horsecross Arts, the creative organisation behind Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre, said:
"We are absolutely thrilled that the Gannochy Trust has offered £3m to the project at this early stage adding to the £2m already committed by Perth & Kinross Council and taking us a big step closer to our ambitious target. We have also just submitted an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the conservation and restoration of the auditorium and expect to hear the outcome in September. The Horsecross team is passionate about the theatre and we will work as hard and for as long as it takes to raise the funds we need. We wanted to take a fresh look at what Perth needs in a theatre and go the extra mile to create a venue that will continue to take centre stage in the community, both culturally and economically, for now and far into the future. We aim to consult with and communicate with the public every step of the way. The people of Perth will take the lead role in this production."
External features for the proposed redevelopment include an impressive new main entrance in Mill Street and better access from High Street. Inside, the redeveloped building would become spacious, making good use of natural light with open foyer, restaurant and bar areas connecting the two performance spaces, rehearsal studios and youth and community rooms.
Mark Webster Chairman of the Gannochy Trust said: "This bold and ambitious project is designed to transform and revitalise the theatre. Importantly, the Horsecross business plan includes the use of new space which will be created to develop the range of cultural activities for youth and will also enable many more disadvantaged and vulnerable people in the community to participate in a broader artistic programme. At the same time the project should secure Perth's future as a producing theatre and improve the experience of those who are familiar with the historic and elegant auditorium, which will be carefully conserved.
The financial hurdle is huge and we hope that our commitment will encourage other funders to add their support to bring the project to life."
Leader of Perth & Kinross Council, Councillor Ian Miller, said: "This is very positive news for the people of Perth and Kinross and a welcome boost to Horsecross' ambitious fundraising plans. The city of Perth already enjoys a growing reputation as an arts and cultural centre. More than a third of audiences on average travel to Perth from outside the county, and for some events which are unique to Perth, up to 79% of audiences come from elsewhere in Scotland, the UK and abroad.
"The last few years have been very exciting for Perth and Kinross with the very successful launch of the Concert Hall. Horsecross' ambitious plans to enhance the current range of venues further are most welcome, and we are delighted to be working in partnership with them.
"I hope that as many people as possible seize the opportunity that we have to work together with Horsecross to help turn their exciting proposals into a reality. Plans which could provide a substantial opportunity to build audiences, attract more visitors, reach out to all our communities, contribute to the regeneration of Perth's city centre and further develop an arts centre in the city."
An exhibition of outline plans and drawings of the theatre proposals will be on display at Perth Theatre on 185 High Street from Friday 28 May. Any member of the public who would like to become involved in the redevelopment, in terms of supporting, advising, or just keeping track of progress can click here to visit the theatre redevelopment page, e-mail info@horsecross.co.uk or call Louisa Jacobs, business development manager for Horsecross Arts on 01738 477721.