Ayr Gaiety Theatre Update ~ July 2011
A crock of gold for the Gaiety? South Ayrshire Council have agreed £50,000 interest-free loan for the Ayr Gaiety Partnership.
Photograph October 2010 ©MBailey
Recent information circulated by South Ayrshire Council indicates that the plan for an autumn reopening of the cafe/bar at the Gaiety Theatre in Ayr continue 'on track'.
It has been announced that South Ayrshire Council are seeking tenders for the first phase of the internal restoration work. This is the latest development in the joint project between South Ayrshire Council and Ayr Gaiety Partnership to reopen the Gaiety, which has been dark since January 2009.
The Council's tender process is now underway for the first phase of the internal restoration works, which will be funded by the Council's capital programme, and will focus on the café/bar area on the ground floor as well as some upgrading of the first floor performance space. The works will be based on designs completed by the McLennan Partnership, the council appointed design team for the development of the cafe/bar and box office facilities. These plans, may be viewed on line at the Council's web site, replace (at a cost of £35,000, designs developed by the Ayr Gaiety partnership. Subject to the conclusion of the tender process, work is expected to start on site towards the end of July.
Ayr Gaiety Partnership is seeking expressions of interest from companies or individuals keen to take over the running the café/bar. By starting the process now, the Partnership hopes to ensure these exciting new facilities are open to the public as soon as possible after the completion of the capital works.
It appears that the relationship between the Local Authority and the Ayr Gaiety Partnership is much improved following the 'legal difficulties' encountered earlier in the year which resulted in resignations from the partnership and the appointment of a new Chairman, former councillor and MSP Ian Welsh.
Within the past week, South Ayrshire Council has approved a loan of £50,000 for Ayr Gaiety Partnership and agreed to finalise a lease agreement for the theatre. The interest-free loan to Ayr Gaiety Partnership will provide working capital to support the reopening of the cafe/bar in the autumn and will be repaid over five years, with the first year payment-free.
It is believed that the opening of the Cafe/Bar in the autumn will create a flexible facility that can be used for stand-alone events in a modern and purpose-built space as well as providing bar facilities for theatre nights.
Discussions continue to finalise the details of the lease agreement for the theatre building at a cost of £1 per year, with the option to purchase the property for £1 being incorporated into the lease. The signing of the lease will be an important element in progressing applications for further external funding for the theatre.
Text based on South Ayrshire Council Information Circulars and The Ayrshire Post, 24th june 2011.
MB
05/07/2011
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