Leith Theatre has announced today that the building which has become the heart of culture in Leith, will remain closed until spring.
The theatre is of course still in need of some renovations, after years of neglect, and looking ahead to the winter months it is a bigger challenge when there is no heating in some parts.
The Trust has decided that to reopen with physical distancing measures in place would just be too risky. The temporary closure will protect the building and the business for the future. Most staff were placed on furlough. The longer term closure will mean that their futures are affected. The theatre is in touch with the team to discuss this.
But in reacting optimistically, this is also viewed as an opportunity. With funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and most recently, Theatres At Risk, it is able to conserve its limited resources and invest this time in prioritising its strategic next steps and planning for refreshed doors opening once more.
Lynn Morrison, Executive Director of Leith Theatre Trust said: “The sector is facing incredible challenges and for our small dedicated staff team who have worked tirelessly to bring this venue to back to its feet, it is the hardest thing to see the building closed and the Leith family unable to return.
“We have to use this opportunity to build a stronger platform for the venue’s future. We are a Theatre at Risk and a business start-up, and we have major refurbishment and construction needs.
“Our committed funding and Government COVID support has granted us this time to review our future business development. We hope we can also explore future fundraising possibilities and consider if further building regeneration works are possible.
“We cannot wait to welcome everyone back through our doors but in the meantime we will keep supporting the community in any way we can.”
The theatre has been a collection point for the North East Edinburgh foodbank over recent months, as well as the NHS blood banks.
Donations to Leith Theatre can be made via the website or JustGiving or please get in touch with fundraising@leiththeatretrust.org
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