Funding to redevelop two of Glasgow's leading venues in time for the 2014 Commonwealth Games has been announced.

Culture and External Affairs Minister Fiona Hyslop confirmed the Scottish Government has allocated more than a million pounds from its 2011/12 budget for work on the Theatre Royal and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Scottish Opera will receive £605,000 to progress plans to upgrade the Theatre Royal while the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) will receive £413,000 towards the redevelopment of its new home at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Ms Hyslop said: "Hosting the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow is a fantastic opportunity to create a lasting legacy for the people of Scotland.

"The Scottish Government's funding commitment will enable Scottish Opera and the RSNO to take the first steps with the redevelopment of these venues, enhancing the programme of cultural activities on offer in 2014 and beyond and supporting Glasgow's continued status as UNESCO City of Music.

"These projects form part of the major regeneration work going on in Glasgow in preparation for the Commonwealth Games, which includes more than £1 billion of infrastructure projects which are already helping generate significant economic benefits for Glasgow and the whole of Scotland.

"The Scottish Government is passionate about delivering a successful Games which is not only a spectacular sporting extravaganza but which also showcases Scotland's world-renowned culture and creativity. Our intention is to make a further substantial capital contribution to the overall construction costs of the Theatre Royal Redevelopment and the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall projects."


Scottish Opera's General Director Alex Reedijk said: "It's great that the Scottish Government has chosen to make a capital commitment to the Theatre Royal Redevelopment project - it's a vital first step in the journey to secure the remaining funding for the redevelopment of the theatre.

"The redevelopment will not only create a lasting legacy for the city of Glasgow, but will significantly improve the experience for audiences at one of the most beautiful and historic theatres in Scotland."

RSNO Chief Executive Simon Woods said: "We very much welcome the Scottish Government's decision to use the impetus of the Commonwealth Games to upgrade cultural infrastructure. For many years the RSNO has been looking to move into facilities which provide the platform for artistic growth, increased education and public engagement activity.

"This new development will provide that and much more, as well as allowing Scotland's national orchestra to participate fully in the opportunity that 2014 will provide to showcase Glasgow's great cultural riches to the world."

Bailie Liz Cameron, the Executive Member of Development and Regeneration at Glasgow City Council, said: "The city has committed £5 million to help modernise the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall ahead of a permanent move by the RSNO. In 1990, we celebrated being the first UK city to win the accolade of European Capital of Culture with the opening of the Concert Hall. Now, 21 years later, we are helping both the RSNO and the Concert Hall to continue to captivate audiences for years to come.

"We welcome the Scottish Government's substantial funding commitments to both of these projects which will contribute greatly to cultural collaboration in Glasgow."

Today's funding announcement coincides with a visit to Scotland by Pasqual Maragall, the former President of Catalonia and Mayor of Barcelona. President Maragall was invited to Scotland by Ms Hyslop and will speak about how the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games contributed to his successes in urban renaissance in the city.

Ms Hyslop said: "Today, Barcelona is recognised as one of the most important and beautiful cities to visit in the world. To transform the city of old into the place that we now know took remarkable vision, skill and determination and I look forward to welcoming President Maragall to Scotland and hearing about his experience of delivering a lasting positive legacy from a major sporting event."

The Scottish Government is providing capital funding of £605,000 to Scottish Opera in 2011/12 to progress the Theatre Royal Redevelopment project, which includes enhancing front-of-house areas and improving disabled access.

The Scottish Government is providing capital funding of £413,000 to RSNO in 2011/12 to develop its new home at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. The project is a partnership between the RSNO and Glasgow Life and includes a new 600 seat performing venue which doubles as a rehearsal space.

(GK)