Performers ushered outside after revamp

Published on Tuesday 8 September 2009 09:49

THE Usher Hall is to host live outdoor performances as part of the next phase of its redevelopment, it emerged today.

Work is due to get under way next month on the outdoor elements of the 25 million redevelopment of the council-run venue, weeks after its interior was completed in time for this year's Festival.

The outdoor work will include new landscaping that will allow for pavement cafes and bring al fresco dining to Lothian Road.

The space will also link the Usher Hall with the neighbouring Traverse and Lyceum theatres.

Among the new facilities will be space for an outdoor stage, which is expected to be erected for a number of events through the summer months.

Usher Hall bosses are still drawing up plans for what types of events would be suitable for outdoor performances, with comedy, drama and live music among the options.

Any live music is expected to be intimate performances of acoustic music or classical, and organised in consultation with local residents and businesses.

Councillor Deidre Brock, the city's culture leader, said: "This final phase in the major Usher Hall refurbishment will enhance the feel of the whole area as an 'arts quarter'. "Pedestrianising the space in front of the hall will offer a flexible space that can be used for small-scale performances, such as string quartets.

"There is also the potential to have outdoor tables at the new cafe. These developments will make this area a much more attractive place to spend time in."

RJ McLeod has been appointed as the contractor for the 3.95m outdoor part of the Usher Hall scheme, with work due to commence on 12 October and be completed by next June.

It is hoped that the development will be ready to host a series of outdoor summer events as part of next year's Usher Hall programme.

The wider Usher Hall project has been badly hit by delays and rising costs. In 2002, the price of the revamp was quoted as 9m. But that has climbed by another 16m since then.

A glass-covered extension will not be completed until next month, despite initially been set to be completed in time for this year's festival opening.

The new wing will contain a cafe/bar, box office area, hospitality spaces and extended office accommodation.

Karl Chapman, general manager at the Usher Hall, said: "Once all the works are complete, the area will be landscaped in a way that encourages more public animation of the area and celebrates its place as an arts quarter.

"It will be fully pedestrianised from Lothian Road up to the entrance to the Usher Hall."