Details have emerged of how people in Montrose can “own” part of a multi-million pound cinema and community hub, which will open its doors next year.
The Montrose Playhouse team are set to embark on a reward-based crowdfunding programme where people in the community and businesses can further support the building they have helped open.
The community will be given the chance to buy into the project with items such as an engraved brick, sponsor a seat, sponsor a step, opening night tickets, sponsor a screen or even sponsor the whole building.
The project was the brainchild of architect David Paton who said the extra money raised will go towards start-up capital to cover equipment, furniture, staffing, stock and web design.
It comes after the dedicated team led by Mr Paton was this month awarded £2.2 million from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant fund to make the vision a reality.
Mr Paton said: “The team will have a huge amount to focus on over the coming months including a reward based crowdfunding programme where people in the community and businesses can get involved by buying into the project.
“We estimate that the build will take around 12 to 14 months so we would like to see the Playhouse open late summer or into autumn next year.
“I have dreamt of a cinema in Montrose since I was young and being part of opening one that’s for the community by the community will just be overwhelming.”
In late 2012 the swimming pool on The Mall became surplus to requirements and Mr Paton went to work in redesigning the building to bring cinema back to the town.
“As a designer I often sketch up ideas for things like this and use Montrose as my ‘canvas’ but when I posted the first idea for the Playhouse it was genuinely amazing the response I got to the proposals,” he said.
“So many people asked me to see if it was a feasible idea, and I think even then I was sceptical – mostly about funding it.
“However when we first got our team together and started looking at how the project could benefit the entire area it quickly became clear that the Playhouse was something that was needed rather than wanted.”
The team secured the old swimming pool for £1 before a ‘DIY SOS’ strip out of the building followed in 2017 to take it back to its bare bones,
Local residents will receive a brochure in May outlining ways that people can own their own piece of playhouse history and close the final funding shortfall.
People can sign up for this brochure now prior to its release at www.montroseplayhouse.co.uk
