Ayr Civic Theatre Demolition
South Ayrshire Council agreed to the demolition of Ayr's Civic Theatre at their meeting on 17th December, 2009. The Theatre was identified as "surplus to requirement" in a review of council properties earlier in the year.
In a report from the Property & Design Manager, the council was invited to agree funding for the demolition of the former Civic Theatre in the
current Financial Year, with revenue funding from the Change Fund. The demolition proposal had been approved earlier in the year, as part of the Council’s approved Interim Property Asset
Management Plan. The report described the theatre as currently unused and in poor
condition.
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The council were advised that, Following competitive tendering exercises the cost of demolishing the Civic Theatre has
been determined at £101,467. Professional fees must be added to this figure.
There are no plans for redevelopment at this time since the Civic Theatre site may be required at a future date in whole, or in part, to extend the
adjacent roundabout on the inner ring road. However, alternative outline proposals have been prepared for the
construction of houses on the site. .
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The report stated that
there had been no public consultation on this report. However, the details had been
discussed with the Portfolio Carrier..
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The Civic Theatre, formerly the Robertson Memorial Church, served the burgh from 1951 until closed due to concerns regarding asbestos in the structure. Despite substantial improvements in the late 1990's, the building has been allowed to deteriorate in recent years and has not been available for local organisations.
Ayr Civic Theatre viewed from Fire Station Roundabout
©M.Bailey
The links below refer to theatre facilities in Ayr.
Opposition to Council Proposal for demolition of the Civic Theatre.
Council decision to demolish Civic Theatre
Ayr Citadel Pantomime struggles for success.
MB
Ayr Civic Theatre
Many South Ayrshire residents will have happy memories of the Civic Theatre as audience and performers. The passing of this building, regarded as a tourist attraction in the 1960's and 1970's with the provision of 12 week Summer Repertory programme by the Victor Graham Players, is a time for reflection on what had been a vibrant and thriving venue. Victor Graham.s 1963 season included the popular dramas and comedies Doctor at Sea, Touch of Fear, Plaintiff in a Pretty Hat, Big Killing and The Little Hut.
Among the many groups using the theatre on a regular basis were the Ayr Fort Players, Ayr Players, The Compass Club, a variety of dance schools and Young farmer Groups in addition to the summer repertory group and the numerous touring shows.
The Ayrshire Arts Festival, founded in 1983, was a regular user of this venue, presenting the Wildcat Theatre Group and many other touring shows.
The theatre had a well equipped stage and dressing room facilities and, in the 1970's had a collection of scenery for use by the repertory company and the local amateur groups
National records indicate that the Church was built in 1901 and was known as the Robertson memorial Church. The building was converted to theatre with foyer/ticket office at W end, toilet block to S and lift/stairs to balcony on N side in 1951, with subsequent alterations to the tearoom and auditorium entrance.
The theatre opened in the Spring of 1951 with a performance of George Bernard Shaw's "Arms and the Man".
Note: The reference to the building having been Our Saviour's Church, Fotheringham Ave on the Historic Scotland Listed Building database is incorrect.
For further information on the Compass Club, please follow this LINK
Performance of The Playboy of the Western World by J. M. Synge. Compass Club production. ©M.Bailey
Performance of The Importance of Being Earnest
by Oscar Wilde. Compass Club production.
©M.Bailey