Lottery boost for theatre revamp

Aug 5 2012

An £11.5 million project to transform a historic theatre into a "world-class venue" has been given an £850,000 lottery boost.

Work begins on Monday to redevelop the Theatre Royal in Glasgow, creating a new entrance, spacious foyer and roof garden. The project will be complete by the time the city hosts the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

Scottish Opera, which has owned the theatre since 1974, has been leading the campaign to find the necessary funding to carry out the work.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded a grant of £850,000.

Colin McLean, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: "The Theatre Royal has delighted, educated and entertained generations of theatre-goers, its fascinating history tightly interwoven with the social history and cultural traditions of Glasgow.

"We are delighted to add our support to a project which will not only put this national treasure on a world-class stage but along the way will inspire and involve people of all ages with memorable and rewarding experiences which will enrich their lives."

The theatre, which was built in 1867, will be transformed with a new entrance on the corner of Cowcaddens Road and Hope Street. This will provide spacious foyers and accommodate new bars, box office, cloakrooms, toilet facilities, hospitality suites and an education suite, while lifts will be installed for the first time.

The redevelopment has been designed by Glasgow-based architects Page\Park.

Alex Reedijk, general director of Scottish Opera, said: "Our vision is to open up the theatre to become a social hub - somewhere people can gather with friends for great coffee during the day, enjoy outstanding performances, learn about the performing arts, and discover the wonderful heritage of this beautiful theatre."

So far 85% of the funds needed have been raised, including £3.96 million of capital funding from the Scottish Government alongside funding from Creative Scotland, Glasgow City Council, The Heritage Lottery Fund and an array of Scottish and UK trusts and foundations, as well as support from individual donors. A public fundraising campaign to raise the remaining funds will begin later this year.