Historic city arts venue in Olympics race

OFFICIALS behind the proposed £12 million refurbishment of the city's Assembly Rooms have revealed it will be a race against time to have the project completed for the 2012 Olympic Games.

The historic building has to be fully operational by then if Edinburgh is to play a part in the Government's Cultural Olympiad programme to complement the Games – and may be closed for all of summer 2011 to allow works to take place.

But the plans will depend on a finance package which will not be announced until later this month, as city officials wait to hear whether the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) will contribute 2.7m to the project.

If not, a full refurbishment could be shelved in favour of a smaller 4.6m vital repair programme.

In a report to go before councillors on Thursday, director of city development Dave Anderson said: "The Assembly Rooms will be required to be in full operational order if Edinburgh is to play a successful part in the Cultural Olympiad programme which the UK Government has announced will complement London's hosting of the Games.

"A fully refurbished Assembly Rooms will be more vibrant, with more events of a wider range, more users and greater income, which will all contribute towards its ongoing upkeep, and George Street and Rose Street will both be enhanced.

"The sustainability of the building will be secured for decades to come."

Design teams have advised the need to carry out repairs within the next two years to avoid partial or full closure of the George Street attraction.

The building's service installations have caused particular concern as they have all "life expired" and there is now a risk of failure in the equipment.

But concerns have also been raised over the fabric of the building which is said to be in a delicate condition, meaning a minimum investment of 4.6m would be required over the next five years to maintain the status quo. Plans for a full refurbishment include restoring the music hall and ballroom to their original grandeur, as well as transforming the streetscape around the building.

Councillor Deidre Brock, culture and leisure leader, said: "Our ambitious plans for redeveloping the Assembly Rooms would ensure we build on their position as one of Edinburgh's most prestigious and stylish events venues.

"Edinburgh's Assembly Rooms are unique in the UK, both in terms of design and function, with a diverse and fascinating history and an enviable location right in the heart of the Georgian New Town. This exciting refurbishment would truly revitalise the venue and ensure that the Assembly Rooms continue as a hive of activity all year round."

Mr Anderson said experts had been consulted on the validity of the business plan for the proposed refurbishment as soon as the country plummeted into recession, confirming the 12m figure, originally estimated in 2007, still stood.

He said the work would be completed in a single phase during the summer festival period of 2011, allowing completion in time for the 2012 Olympic Games.