£87,000 funding boost for Kirkcaldy's Kings Theatre Trust sparks new work
The money came from the first stream of funding announced by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) to over 40 organisations.
It aims to help them carry out repairs and make adaptations to facilitate social distancing.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe mothballed cinema is part of the ambitious Kings Theatre project which sits at the heart of the blueprint to transform the fortunes of Kirkcaldy’s town centre.
The money has to be used by the end of March - and work has already started on looking at how best it can help the former movie house.
Architects have been in to assess the state of the building, and the funding can help ensure it is watertight, remove asbestos and block any holes to stop pigeon roosting inside.
Their detailed reports will steer how the trust makes use of the cash.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdJohn Murray, who chairs the group, said: “The support is very welcome.
“We have a very tight window to get contractors sorted and equipment shipped in, but we’re expecting a detailed report and will study its recommendations.”
The funding allows the trust to tackle a wide range of repairs as they look ahead to the future and the possibility of re-opening its doors when safe to do so.
Added John: ”There are some exposed parts in the foyer which need work, but once it is cleaned up, and we are able to do so, we would love to re-start tours.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“Everyone we have staged has been over-subscribed - people really want to see inside the old cinema.”
Work begins on £10m housing development in KirkcaldyFife singer's 'experience of lifetime' on The Voice despite judges...
Over 20 years have now passed since the cinema closed its doors and was left to stagnate until the trust took over.
While it is a long-term project, it already had the Kings Live Lounge on the Esplanade up and running before lockdown, and further facilities at 262 High Street hub adjacent to the cinema entrance.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAlex Paterson, Chief Executive at HES, said: “We are pleased to support a diverse range of projects the length and breadth of Scotland as part of the Historic Environment Recovery Fund. By helping to protect jobs, reopen historic sites and maintaining investment in traditional skills training and apprenticeships, we hope to support the wider recovery of the sector and Scotland’s economy.
“While historic sites and visitor attractions have been impacted by the closure of sites throughout the 2020 visitor season and the loss of revenue, other organisations in the sector have also had to adapt the way in which they carry out their work, put crucial traditional skills training and educational activities on hold and look at new ways to generate income, and we hope that this funding will allow the recipients to prepare for the future.
“The historic environment sector provides countless benefits to local communities – including providing jobs and generating tourism spend - and it is vital that we support these organisations and ensure their important work can continue as we face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and seek to harness opportunities ahead.”