The King's Theatre in Edinburgh has suspended the redevelopment of the venue by a year after the impact the coronavirus has had on the city.
Construction was due to begin on the project in September of next year, however this has now been proposed to begin in 2022 instead. Capital Theatres have confirmed the delay on the £25million project, which is now hoped to be completed by 2023 for the Edinburgh International Festival.
Joan Stringer, chair of Capital Theatres, said: “What is absolutely clear is that we all remain committed to delivering on our plans to redevelop the King’s into a modern venue, celebrating its rich heritage while sustaining it for future generations of enjoyment.
“We are however realistic and recognise that the current situation will affect our ability to deliver the project in our current timescales… We have therefore taken the difficult decision to pause the project, and are exploring the potential of starting the project 12 months later, in September 2022.
“We are now moving into discussions with principal funders the City of Edinburgh Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund alongside our design team to pause the project.”
Plans included a refurbishment to front of house and backstage areas, with the initial plans proposed in 2018. The redevelopment is set to last two years. Last week the UK Government ordered a closure of theatres, bars and restaurants to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
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