King's axe averted

Published on Wednesday 9 January 2008 09:26

THE King's Theatre was today saved from the threat of imminent closure after experts quashed health and safety fears.

The future of the 102-year-old venue had been called into question amid fears it would fail to comply with safety regulations within two years, unless upgrading work was carried out.

With any major refurbishment unlikely to start before the next decade, campaigners fighting to save the theatre said it would be forced to close down.

Council chiefs called in independent experts to assess the situation after theatre managers raised the impending problem.

Engineering consultancy Irons Foulner has completed the survey, and found the electrical equipment poses "no imminent threat" over the next couple of years.

Campaigners welcomed the news, but warned work was still required to improve sanitation and wheelchair access. They also urged the city council to commit to keeping the theatre open.

City culture leader Deidre Brock said today: "As soon as we were made aware that this could be an issue by the management of the King's, we made it our urgent business to investigate.

"I have since taken advice from professional electrical consultants who report that there is no imminent threat to the King's."

She added: "The King's is in need of investment and we are very keen to secure its future.

"We eagerly await sight of a business case about the future of the venue, and once we receive that we can consider options and make realistic decisions based on the needs of the building and on what funds are available."

Council officials are currently awaiting a report on the cultural needs of the Capital, which will help shape the future of the King's and other venues.

A full-scale revamp of the theatre is currently estimated at around 20 million, although the project does not yet have funding. The priority of the scheme will be discussed by councillors during budget talks.

Rami Okasha, from the Save the King's Theatre campaign, today called on the council to give a cast-iron guarantee about the venue's short-term future.

He said: "It's great news that the electric work is better than expected. However, there are still concerns. There is the issue of sanitation, fire escapes and disabled access.

"The Festival City Theatres Trust (FCTT) is liable for health and safety issues, and it is their call whether the theatre is safe."

John Stalker, chief executive of the FCTT – which runs the venue on behalf of the local authority –

said: "There is a general will to see what is best for the King's happen as quickly as possible."

Grant Stott, who is starring in the pantomime production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the theatre, said: "I'm pleased that the threat of closure has been lifted for at least two years, but until I hear the news that the building will be properly repaired I won't be popping the champagne corks."

His Goldilocks co-star Allan Stewart said: "I'm very pleased that we've got another two years at least, particularly because I'm booked here for another three.

"It's a lovely, warm building but it does need work."

WEB LINKS

&#149 www.savethekings.org.uk

&#149 www.eft.co.uk