Everyman plans to fight on after NWDA shortfall

The redevelopment of the Everyman theatre in Liverpool city centre will go ahead despite falling victim to the cuts announced yesterday by the development agency.

The theatre was bidding for £2.4m towards its £28m redevelopment costs. Deborah Aydon, executive director of the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse theatres, said: "We are working in a very positive spirit with our other partners and stakeholders – including Arts Council England, Liverpool Vision, The Mersey Partnership and Liverpool City Council – to make sure that this does not affect the momentum or the quality of the Everyman redevelopment.

"All our partners remain fully committed to the strategic importance of this project, which is now at an advanced stage and is scheduled to go on site in 2011.

"The design for the new Everyman has been submitted for planning approval and we have been consulting on the design for some months. The response to date – from artists, audiences, youth theatre members, heritage groups and many others who care passionately about their Everyman – has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Consultation continues, with weekly presentations and drop-in sessions."

Other funding for the project has come from Arts Council England, totaling £15m, while a combination of public sector sources, fundraising and appeals is being sought for the overall cost.

Proposals to build a new Everyman on the site where the existing theatre building is located, which is being demolished, were submitted at the end of May.

The current theatre has cramped backstage quarters and has not been updated since the 1970s. The team behind the Everyman plans, which includes Haworth Tompkins Architects, is aiming to have the new theatre operational by 2013.

A series of free public tours and drop-in sessions are taking place at the Everyman throughout the summer to give people the opportunity to view the new plans.

These run every Friday between 1pm and 5pm until 3 September. To book a place, which are limited to 15 people for each tour, call the Everyman and Playhouse box office on 0151 709 4776.

Your Comments

Read our comments policy

Related Articles

Sign up to receive the Place Daily Briefing

Join more than 13,000 property professionals and receive your free daily round-up of built environment news direct to your inbox

Subscribe

Join more than 13,000 property professionals and sign up to receive your free daily round-up of built environment news direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you are agreeing to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

"*" indicates required fields

Your Job Field*
Other regional Publications - select below