OVER £4 million was yesterday pledged to bridge the Perth Theatre redevelopment funding gap.
Perth and Kinross Council agreed to set aside the cash to ensure the £13 million project can go ahead.
Horsecross Arts wants to transform the 113-year-old High Street theatre.
Despite obtaining pledges for most of the money, it was in a desperate race against the clock, with funding proposals due by the end of the year.
A full meeting of the council yesterday saw unanimous support for the move.
Council leader Ian Miller said: “The Perth Theatre project has already achieved considerable success in attracting funding, but a shortfall remains and you are asked to agree to commit up to £4.424 million to ensure it goes ahead.
“In order to secure the offer of funding from Creative Scotland, we need to submit our overall funding proposals by the end of this year.
“It is therefore urgent that we make this commitment to underwrite the project today, so that we don’t lose that funding and, of course, we will continue with our efforts to bring in further external funding towards the scheme.”
The design and build process will now move ahead, with work beginning on-site in 2014.
The ambitious plans will see the heart of the historic theatre building retained, while improving access, creating new rooms for youth and community use, and adding a new 225-seat performance space.
The period features of the B-listed Edwardian auditorium will also be restored.
A new main entrance will be built in Mill Street, while the High Street frontage will also be improved.
Jacqueline McKay, chief executive of Horsecross, said: “Today’s decision is a huge vote of confidence in the future cultural, community and economic success of Scotland’s newest city, ensuring that our beautiful theatre will continue to be enjoyed by people of Perth and our many visitors for years to come. There is still much to be done and 2013 will see a significant public and corporate fundraising campaign aimed at raising £2m to fully realise the vision of a transformed Perth Theatre at the heart of city centre renewal and regeneration, she went on.
“We look forward to working with our partners and the people of Perth to conserve, restore and reinvigorate one of the city’s most treasured and much-loved buildings.”
The pledge was among a £40 million package of capital spending projects confirmed by the council yesterday.
A pair of new schools will be built, including an “all through” community school pencilled in for a location in north Perth. A one-third share £7.667 million of the cost was approved to secure the remainder from the Scottish Futures Trust towards the secondary school element.
A primary school for the fledgling new village at Oudenarde will cost £11.5 million up front, although this will be clawed back from housing developers as the construction of the estate near Bridge of Earn continues.
In addition, £15 million was allocated in principle to junction improvements at the A9/ A85 site at Perth, where it is accepted the increasing bottleneck is stifling business growth in that area.
Efforts will continue to attract Scottish Government and developer contributions towards the scheme.
A further £1.2 million will be contributed towards improving broadband connection speeds across Perth and Kinross.
Mr Miller said: “This is a major capital investment by this council. It will be a further boost to the local economy and will provide much-needed employment for the construction industry.
“It is also a clear statement of intent by this council.
“We intend to make things happen in Perth and Kinross and we are prepared to invest in our future despite the economic downturn.”
arichardson@thecourier.co.uk