Capital Theatres launched the campaign with the announcement of the architect for the project, Bennetts Assoc
The unveiled designs for the redeveloped King’s Theatre show a design that retains the majesty of the original building but reimagined for the 21st century. The images, a cross-section of the re-imagined building and a front side view showing the building’s depth down Tarvit Street, capture a design that makes optimum use of the space available in the original 1906 building and the scope to create additional front of house space including a stunning roof terrace with views across the city skyline. JADU Long Section design by Bennets Associates
The transformational project will preserve and revitalise the King’s Theatre Edinburgh, one of Scotland’s oldest and most loved theatres, making it a vibrant, dynamic and accessible cultural destination for generations to come.
One of the UK's leading architectural practices, Bennetts Associates is responsible for several renowned cultural projects including Storyhouse in Chester, a much-loved cultural centre which combines a theatre, cinema and library, and the extension to Shaftesbury Theatre, both of which received RIBA National Awards this year.
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Joining Bennetts Associates as the appointed architect on the project will be Theatreplan, global theatre design and technical theatre consultancy specialists. Together Bennetts and Theatreplan are also working on the transformation of Citizens Theatre in Glasgow.
Bennetts Associates has presented their initial designs and will continue to develop designs through 2019, with a finalised design ready in 2020. Redevelopment works are scheduled to begin in September 2021, with the theatre closed for 20 months, reopening summer 2023.
The project will cost in the region of £20million. Funds have already been pledged from Capital Theatres (£5m) and the City of Edinburgh Council (£4m). Remaining funds will be sourced from a fundraising campaign, applications to the Heritage Lottery Fund, and other grant making trusts as well as statutory bodies.
Councillor Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: "The King's Theatre has been a firm Edinburgh favourite for over a century and the Council is proud to pledge £4m towards its redevelopment. From some of the most talented community stage groups in the country and children’s shows, to theatre directly from London’s West End, the ‘Grand Old Lady of Leven Street’ has always been Edinburgh’s theatre for everyone. This essential investment drive will help all of us enjoy a night at the King’s for many more years to come."
Duncan Hendry, Chief Executive of Capital Theatres said: "We are delighted to have appointed Bennetts Associates to lead the design team who will transform the King’s Theatre over the next few years. Bennetts have extensive experience of redeveloping theatres and heritage buildings across the UK and we were impressed by the elegance of their initial designs. We look forward to working with them to deliver a stunning building."
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