One of the largest construction projects in Perth city centre for a number of years the restoration and redevelopment of Perth Theatre has taken a major step forward.
Project contractors Robertson Construction Tayside arrived on site to start work on stripping out existing buildings and preparing to demolish sections to make way for the new extension.
At the heart of the £16.6 million project is the B-listed Edwardian auditorium that will be restored to its former glory.
The much loved High Street entrance will be retained but a grand new frontage with improved access will be constructed to the Mill Street facade.
Although a great deal of work has been going on behind the scenes, the latest chapter in the project will be carried out under the scrutiny of the general public and will provide tangible evidence of progress over the coming months.
Gary Bushnell, chief executive of project development company hub East Central Scotland, said: “It is great to see work getting under way on site and we look forward to handing over a high quality state of the art building in 2017 that will continue to play such an important role in Perth’s cultural programmes.”
The Transform Perth Theatre project already has £15.1m of the funding in place thanks to pledges from Perth and Kinross Council, Creative Scotland, The Gannochy Trust, the Heritage Lottery Fund and other trusts, foundations and donations, but a further £1.5m is still required.
Supporters of one of Scotland’s oldest and best loved theatres have been helping to raise the remainder by buying seat dedications and business sponsors are being sought with opportunities including naming rights for the new studio theatre and bar and restaurant areas available.
Horsecross Arts will be holding a drop-in session for the public in Perth Concert Hall’s Norie-Miller Studio on Monday April 18 at 2.15pm.