THE Scottish Government has signed off a £6.5 million grant to revamp the historic King’s Theatre.
Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth confirmed the total grant funding from the Scottish Government for the King’s Theatre Redevelopment Project which is expected to take two years to complete.
Opened in 1906, the Edinburgh theatre is an important venue for touring drama and children’s shows, including Scotland’s biggest panto production, and each year plays a pivotal role in hosting the Edinburgh International Festival.
The redevelopment aims to modernise the existing facilities and transform the experiences of visitors, local communities, performers and staff, whilst preserving its unique heritage.
The plans seek to ensure the theatre remains a key part of Edinburgh and Scotland’s cultural provision, as well as functioning as a community hub for years to come.
The redevelopment project is set to start in September 2022, with a planned re-opening in mid-2024.
The Scottish Government grant joins £4m already secured from City of Edinburgh Council.
The rest of the budget is made up of donations from individuals, grants from trusts and foundations, support from companies and owner Capital Theatres’ own contribution from ticket income.
Gilruth said: “The King’s Theatre has been a jewel in Edinburgh’s cultural crown for more than 100 years, with generations of audiences enjoying a rich diversity of shows from its annual pantomimes to world premieres at the Edinburgh International Festival.
“The Scottish Government is pleased to support the redevelopment of the grade A-listed theatre and enable the King’s Theatre to reach out to a wider range of audience and increase its community engagement.”
CEO of Capital Theatres Fiona Gibson said: “We’re overjoyed with this show of support and confidence in the King’s Redevelopment Project from the Scottish Government.”
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