Contractor appointed for refurbishment of King’s Theatre

The £2.6m refurbishment of the city’s King’s Theatre took a step forward today with the appointment of the main contractor, H&J Martin Ltd.

Phase one of three, consisting of external stone and roof repairs, will begin in mid-September and is expected to take nine months. Festival City Theatres Trust said the work is scheduled to minimise any disruption to the programme between October 2011 and January 2012, including the pantomime.

Once the pantomime has finished its run, the building will close to allow phase two to be carried out. These internal works, such as improved disabled access, better ventilation, decorative improvements and a new box office, will all enhance the theatre-goer’s experience from June 2012 – the scheduled date for reopening.

Councillor Deidre Brock, culture leader for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This essential investment will ensure that audiences of all ages can continue to enjoy the shows at our much-loved theatre for many more years to come.”