Historic kirk prays for help to meet £1.1m shortfall in revamp budget

Published on Tuesday 14 October 2008 09:56

THE long-awaited refurbishment of Edinburgh's historic Tron Kirk faces being scaled back after the council failed in attempts to find more money.

City chiefs have been trying to fill a 1.1 million financial black hole for several months, but have now admitted they may now resort to a cheaper option, which would involve shelving plans for a mezzanine-level restaurant.

The plan to transform the Royal Mile landmark, which houses remains of the oldest surviving street in the Capital, was first announced around five years ago – but costs have nearly doubled the original price tag to 2.1m.

The A-listed kirk was supposed to become a major new visitor attraction, boasting a performance and events space, a permanent archaeology exhibition charting the history of the site, and a caf-bar.

While the council still hopes to persuade heritage bodies to help out, the project may now be limited to a visitor and archaeological centre on the ground floor.

Director of corporate services, Jim Inch, said: "Possible funding sources being investigated include a premium of up to 350,000 from an in-going tenant. This is dependent on the results of the marketing process. Taken with (Scottish Executive funding] of 650,000, this leaves a funding shortfall of 1.1m.

"A Historic Scotland grant application was rejected. Other funding sources being considered include Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian, Edinburgh World Heritage Trust and heritage lottery funding.

"No other external avenue for funding has been identified, and the council has not prioritised the project to a level that would qualify for internal funding."

Mr Inch said the mezzanine floor could still be erected at a later date.

Architects RMJM unveiled their plans for the site in March 2004.

They were condemned as being too ambitious,but planning permission for the revamp was granted at the start of last year in the face of more than 300 objections.

Bill Cowan, spokesman for the Old Town Association, said:

"The High Street doesn't need another tea room. We want the church used for something sensible, and we're keen to see the building repaired. This has gone on too long."

The building was leased from the council by tour group Black Hart Entertainment until 2006.

Director Jan Andrew-Henderson today said he is willing to put up cash towards a refurbishment – if allowed back in the kirk.

"We would love to go back," he said. "I suspected (the revamp] wouldn't work when they told us to leave, because it looked like an awfully big job."