The Regal Reconnect Theatre in Bathgate says it won’t be able to open again until September but says “playing it safe” is the right thing to do.
Owners say their hands are tied, as with a 2m social distancing policy, there would only be 12 people allowed in the venue.
And they say they are “disappointed” there isn’t more support available from the government, warning venues across the country could close for good.
But until it can fully re-open, the theatre is working on “some exciting stuff” and is planning ahead for face to face classes, groups and events.
At the moment the theatre has some plans that could provide a digital uptake of particular classes or activities.
Pete Sneddon, of reconnect said: “Reconnect has secured funding from the Adapt and Thrive Programme, which is obviously great.
“This contributes to our rebuild programme that the team is working on; or as our Marketing department is keen to call it, a REstart-up.
“Our biggest challenge is still the fact that we cannot reopen for any event. Not yet. Unless we have some new announcements soon, it appears that the grants linked to rateable value have ended for everyone.
“However, we are still in a situation where our revenues are massively limited. Not having this additional support means that we are, yet again, dripping into reserves or loans.”
Pete continued: “We all find it challenging to understand why there is a lack of support or something similar to the venue relief fund, given that we are not allowed to operate.
“Something that will bridge the gap between now and when the country, by and large, is vaccinated and venues like the Reconnect Regal building can open.
“Having community groups running classes is a cornerstone to bring people into the venue and provide a service that isn’t our principal revenue stream by any means. At best, it’s a break-even activity. We were all told there would be more funding from the venue relief fund, but we have not seen anything note-worthy on this front.
“So basically, since the end of March, there has been nothing. We are hopeful we can open in September like everyone else but we are in limbo until then.
“We want to reiterate that we don’t think opening the venues is a good idea at this time. We cannot take risks, and playing it safe is wise. But, not supporting venues through that isn’t a sustainable model. If it is not addressed, we could still see some venues closing up and down the country, given this situation.”
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