£174K for Kings
Funds for heritage stage of redevelopment
Capital Theatres has been awarded £174,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund towards the first development phase of its planned £25M transformation of the King’s Theatre.
This “significant and positive” funding will help involve 23,000 people in community consultation and engagement to “explore the King’s rich history and develop heritage activities”, according to Capital Theatres, the charity which runs the King’s, Festival and Studio theatres
Kings exterior 2018. Pic: Keith Hunter Photography
Chief executive Duncan Hendry said: “This is a very significant step for us in securing the funds we need to complete the development phase and move towards the delivery of a project which will transform the King’s Theatre for the generations to come.
“We are delighted to have NLHF’s support and enthusiasm for the project which will protect and enhance the King’s Theatre’s unique heritage.”
The overall £25M project, announced in November 2018 is currently expected to take just under two years, with the King’s going dark from September 2021 to July 2023.
The development phase of the project is intended to help the theatre increase its community engagement and, ultimately, visitor numbers by 66%.
full potential
According to the charity: “Working with access groups, children and young people, schools and colleges, community groups, care homes, neighbours and local business, the King’s will be able to realise its full potential to be a vital cultural venue for everyone to enjoy.”
Capital Theatres has already raised £9M towards the full project which will transform the theatre both front of house for theatre goers and back stage for the actors who perform there and the technicians who make the performances happen.
Æ understands that the charity will be going back to the Lottery’s heritage fund for a further £1.7M towards the delivery phase of the project in October 2021. The success of the current application does not guarantee the future application’s success, but it is a positive indicator.
Besides improving the King’s for all, Capital Theatres says that the redevelopment will generate £11m in economic impact per year into the Scottish Economy and £21.1m per year for Edinburgh’s economy.
ENDS
