Arts venues lash out at Assembly Rooms plan

Source: List.co.uk
Date: 24 August 2007

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Plans to undertake a £12 million revamp of Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms will have a negative affect on arts centres across the city, critics have warned.

The proposals will see the George Street venue transformed into a year-round facility, capable of hosting music, dance and drama. Fears have been voiced over the future of the King’s Theatre - which is due for a revamp - as well as the Royal Lyceum, the Traverse and the Queen’s Hall. Critics claim the Assembly Rooms will become a major rival to existing venues, as well as redirect much-needed funding.

Edinburgh City Council officials have rejected the fears, pledging to power on with their plans for the historic hall. However, the man behind the transformation of the Assembly Rooms into Fringe venues, William Burden-Coutts, hit out: “The attitude of the council is just plain stupid if they believe it is not going to affect the others. It will definitely shut us down. There’s no doubt about that.”

More: Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh Festivals, Latest News (News)

Last updated: 28 Aug 2007 17:21 BST