The King’s Theatre has launched a campaign to save the iconic venue after a funding bid from the UK Government was unsuccessful.
After the City of Edinburgh Council’s appeal for the government's Levelling Up failed, Capital Theatres have said the Grade A listed building risks being closed for good. After a redevelopment project was announced in August, the funding gap has faced the King’s future in danger.
£26 million has already been successfully raised, though the project is set to cost an estimated £8.9m more. If the money is not found within 35 days, the building will be signed over to contractors.
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Capital Theatres say they now need increased support from statutory funders, Scottish Government, the City of Edinburgh Council and the UK Government to see this project over the line.
Fiona Gibson CEO of Capital Theatres said: “This really is the last chance saloon for the King’s. It’s been a long road planning and fundraising for the capital redevelopment of the King’s Theatre to turn it into both a thriving community hub, fully accessible to audiences and performers, and a world class venue, while maintaining its history and heritage.
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“Nearly all the original capital cost estimate of £26 million to transform the King’s is in place thanks to grants from the Scottish Government, City of Edinburgh Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund; generous donations from our patrons and donors, companies and trusts; as well as Capital Theatres’ own contribution. We are incredibly proud of the collective effort to reach this figure.”
Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Val Walker added: “While we’re disappointed not to have been successful in this round of the Levelling Up fund, we look forward to continuing dialogue and exploring any opportunities open to help secure the future of the Kings Theatre.”
You can donate ‘Save the King’s’ here.
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