The King’s Theatre has been awarded £2 million from the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund, a welcome boost to the ongoing redevelopment project which began in February 2023. This funding will help make the King’s Theatre fully accessible for the first time in the building’s history, with level entrances and an accessible journey from street to seat and street to stage, including large lifts providing access to all floors, a 50% increase in wheelchair spaces, and improved signage throughout.
In addition to making significant improvements to the accessibility of the King’s Theatre, the ambitious £35.6 million redevelopment also features new state-of-the-art back of house facilities to attract a broader variety of productions to the theatre, a new street level cafe – the first step into what will be a thriving community hub for Tollcross, new bars and entertaining spaces, and a double height Creative Engagement Studio to inspire a life-long love of theatre across generations.
The project was developed through extensive consultation with the community, which helped shape the plans for a sustainable, modern theatre and community hub as part of Edinburgh’s well-being and cultural offer. The Community Ownership Fund, part of the UK Government’s levelling up policy, supports assets which are at risk of being lost to the community. It forms part of a substantial package of UK wide levelling-up interventions building opportunity and empowering communities to improve their local places.
Fiona Gibson CEO of Capital Theatres said:
We are absolutely thrilled by this generous investment in the redevelopment of the King’s Theatre from the Community Ownership Fund. This enables us to ensure the King’s offers a fully accessible welcome to audiences, artists and staff alike and preserves it for future generations.
We are immensely grateful for all the support received so far to make this project possible and to save the beloved King’s Theatre for Tollcross, Edinburgh and beyond. It is fantastic to have the input of the Community Ownership Fund, and we hope it inspires more people to support us in protecting this treasured building for the long term.
UK Government Minister for Scotland John Lamont said:
Loved by so many at this time of year for its pantos, this £2m award to the historic King’s Theatre from the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund is well deserved, oh yes it is!
I’ve seen first hand the ongoing upgrade works on what is fondly known as “the people’s theatre” and heard about the exciting plans for when it reopens in 2025. I’m delighted this funding will help ensure that this cherished venue can be enjoyed by generations to come and congratulate the team behind it in their efforts to save the King’s for theatregoers, artists and the community alike.
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