Leith Theatre Trust - working to preserve this iconic building
| The theatre was a gift from the people of Edinburgh to the people of Leith following the decision on 10th October 1920 to incorporate the Burgh of Leith into Edinburgh. Works commenced in 1929 and it opened in 1932. The theatre suffered bomb damage in 1941 and closed until 1961. It closed again in 1988. Below is a link to a BBC TV news article on us, which gives details of the many well known names who have appeared: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/scotland_video_and_audio/8103854.stm Leith Theatre Trust was formed in 2004 following concerns from local residents, community leaders and businesses, that the Council intended to sell Leith Theatre. The Trust was formed to seek an alternative solution. The purpose of the Trust was to create a legal entity with specified aims and objectives. This enabled grants to be obtained from sources such as Heritage Lottery Fund and Townscape Lottery Fund and from Edinburgh City Council. Such funds were paid to a dedicated organisation with a clearly stated purpose. Leith Theatre Trust then approached Scottish Historic Buildings Preservation Trust (SHBPT) for advice in connection with option appraisals. SHBPT is a charity which seeks long term viable solutions for historic buildings. In order to implement such solutions, they need long term security. This requires a long term lease in order that control can be retained over the investments they make. |
The first stage of the process is to undertake an Options Appraisal to confirm the condition of the building, the uses to which it could be put, the demand for such uses and to establish whether there is a viable future for the building. Option Appraisal requires market testing and a range of specific studies. There is grant funding available for such work. This funding is available once a trust has been incorporated. Leith Theatre reached a position where the Options Appraisal confirmed that there was demand for the use of the Theatre but that demand did not correspond with its historic use and required consideration of a range of mixed activities including rehearsal space, recording studio, dance studios, and flexible use of the theatre space. Part of the theatre is now occupied by Dance Base. The task for Leith Theatre now is to secure funds including grants and donations for the capital project. This can be done because the options appraisal demonstrates that there is a viable future and has determined costs. So, if you have connections to Leith, if you live or work here and if you would like to come and support your community project then please do come and join us. |