CAMPAIGNERS hoping to reopen Leith Theatre have had to reconsider their plans after they failed to secure a £3 million arts prize.
The Leith Theatre Trust has said it is disappointed not to make it through to the second stage of the Scottish Community Foundation's Arts Funding Prize for Edinburgh.
The news means that the £8 million design proposed will have to be scaled down
. But they say they are keen to continue developing the project, together with the Cockburn Conservation Trust.
They are drawing up several options for the redevelopment, which could cost up to £5 million. One option is developing the theatre in different stages.
The building, owned by Edinburgh City Council, closed 20 years ago because of financial problems.
Leith councillor Rob Munn said: "Obviously I share the disappointment of the Theatre Trust, as it would have allowed them to proceed with a more ambitious project. But this isn't the end of the road by any means. I'm sure with the drive of the trust members they will develop something of lasting benefit to the community.
"There is still reason to be optimistic – there are other funds to apply for.
"We are all very keen to get the building back in use by the local community. It's a great shame that it has lain empty for so long. It would be very well-used during the Leith Festival, and could also bring events down to Leith in the Fringe and the International Festival."
The theatre, which was originally the town hall, was gifted to the people of Leith by Edinburgh following the Act of Parliament that amalgamated the two in 1920.
It was badly damaged in the Second World War, but was reopened in 1961.
The auditorium had a capacity of 1500, but this is likely to be reduced to 700 seats. There would also be space for rehearsals, art or music studios and an exhibition space.
Catherine Kidd, project manager at the Cockburn Conservation Trust, said they hoped to carry out an appraisal of the different options towards the end of the year. She said they had already identified some sources of funding.
They hope to reopen the building by 2014 or 2015.
She said: "We've always been considering different options for the building. The minimum we can do is get people back into the theatre.
"We have had a very positive response from the local community. We've been quite buoyed by their support."
A spokesman for Leith Theatre Trust said: "The trust is disappointed to learn that it has not been selected to go forward to the next stage of the Edinburgh Arts Fund Prize.
"However, whilst the Arts Fund Prize was too big an opportunity to ignore it was always recognised that the objectives of Leith Theatre Trust and the Arts Fund Prize were different and the prospects of success were limited.
"A series of viable options are emerging relating to theatre, arts, education and the community. Leith Theatre Trust is working closely with public and private funders and is confident that a viable, phased project can be delivered."
