Curtain up on theatre extension

Published on Wednesday 28 January 2009 09:02

A £2 MILLION extension to Edinburgh's Festival Theatre, to create more rehearsal space for visiting theatre and dance acts, is set to be given the go-ahead.

The project is planned for a gap site to the rear of the Nicolson Street venue and theatre bosses have struck a deal to pay for the new scheme by building student flats on a wedge of land between the new extension and South College Street.

It will mean visiting groups will not have to rehearse on stage in the theatre, one of the main venues used for the Edinburgh International Festival.

A final business plan for the project, which was first mooted in 2006, reveals it will be paid for from the land sale and a mystery benefactor's donation to Festival City Theatres, the trust which runs the venue on behalf of the council. There will be a 250,000 shortfall for the scheme which will be met by a loan taken out by the Festival City Theatres Trust, but bosses have asked for the city council to guarantee the loan.

City culture leader Deidre Brock said: "Edinburgh's cultural scene is a key part of the city's economy and it is vital that the sector continues to develop and provides facilities that are capable of attracting the best events and the most talented performers.

"This arrangement will help to push forward this important expansion to the Festival Theatre, which will enhance performer facilities for local and touring companies whilst at the same time making a positive impact on Edinburgh's cultural landscape."

A parcel of land to the south of the two plots will be sold off by the council as a new development opportunity.

John Stalker, chief executive of Festival City Theatres Trust, said: "We are delighted with the council's support. This will allow us to accommodate the needs of world-class theatre and dance companies performing in the Capital, as well as providing much-needed outreach and education opportunities for the local community.

"With the council acting as guarantor, we are now in a position to seek additional funding through private sponsorship and finance, bringing us one step closer to realising our vision."

The plans tie in with a 150m proposal from Edinburgh University to transform the area around the Potterrow flyover into a public square with pavement cafes.

The final business case for the extension and a request to guarantee the trust's 250,000 loan will be discussed at a council meeting on Tuesday, but officials have given it their backing.