Curtain rises on phase two of £21m regeneration plan
Evening Times 5th July 2011
Showgirls took centre stage to help take the wraps off plans to rejuvenate a derelict opera house.
USA-style celebrations were held on Independence Day to mark stage two of a £21million masterplan to breathe new life into Kilmarnock town centre.
The multi-million pound makeover at the town’s New Theatre – also known as the Operetta House – in John Finnie Street will create up to 130 construction jobs.
The gap site will become 26,500sq ft of office space for up to 200 finance and IT staff with East Ayrshire Council, which has agreed to buy the building when it’s completed in September next year.
The curtains first opened at the Opera House in 1875 after it was built for just £7000. But the variety offered by Glasgow’s theatre land sounded it’s death knell and it closed in the late 1890s. It was then used as a showroom, a church, a pub and a nightclub before fire ripped through the building in 1989.
The rear of the damaged building was demolished three years ago but the historic B-listed facade has remained although in poor condition.
It will be restored and incorporated in the new offices to be built by the Klin Group, local property developers who have the cash backing of the Bank of Scotland, Historic Scotland and The Heritage Lottery Fund.
Klin chiefs are spearheading a masterplan to regenerate the centre of Kilmarnock. Stage three – the final phase –will include new retail premises, small business units for start-up companies, offices and leisure.
Negotiations are currently being held to try to bring a hotel and trendy retailers to the town to complete the regeneration scheme.
It began three years ago with the launch of a railway heritage centre and 62 serviced apartments and a commercial centre.
Marie Macklin, who heads the Klin Group, said: “The future looks great – Klin Group are passionate about this project and the start of something that will be the stimulus for the regeneration of Kilmarnock.”
Councillor Douglas Reid, leader of East Ayrshire Council, also welcomed work on the opera house site.
He said: “This is great news.
“The development, including the relocation of a substantial workforce to the town centre, will increase the business of existing retailers and create demand for new retail opportunities.”
Derek MacGarvie, senior manager for commercial at the Bank of Scotland, said: “We are pleased to support the Klin Group in this latest phase of a pivotal regeneration project which will give Kilmarnock a much-needed boost in creating new construction jobs and relocating hundreds of public sector workers to the town centre.”
The launch was also attended by Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Investment. He said: “This project provides a timely boost for Kilmarnock and the Ayrshire economy.
“Much-needed jobs will be created as the regeneration of Kilmarnock’s town centre takes shape.”