Aberdeen Tivoli Theatre Sold

By: Keith Donaldson

Position Statement following the purchase of the Tivoli Theatre by Mr Brian Hendry.

On 10th July 2009, the Aberdeen Tivoli Theatre Trust learned from the owner of the Tivoli Theatre, Mr Tony Donald, that he had agreed to sell the property to Mr Brian Hendry.

 

The Aberdeen Tivoli Theatre Trust was established in 1999 to preserve, restore and reopen the Tivoli Theatre, a Grade A listed building and Scotland’s oldest complete theatre. Over the last decade the Trust has taken significant actions to bring about its restoration including raising funds and preparing a Conservation Plan, an Audience Development Report and a Digital Survey of the building, with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The Trust had also developed a capital development programme and a business proposal to operate as a mid-scale theatre and theatre museum.

 

The Trust has enjoyed good relations with Mr Donald who allowed unrestricted access to the property and use, free of charge, for specific events. The Tivoli has proved to be a major attraction on Doors Open Day, held annually in September. The Trust has established a group of Supporters who demonstrated their support for the restoration project.

 

Discussions with Mr Tony Donald had taken place over several years regarding acquisition of the property by the Trust. In 2009 negotiations towards agreeing a purchase price had reached an advanced stage.

 

The Trust understands that Mr Hendry will conclude the purchase of The Tivoli Theatre on 4th September 2009. The Trust met with Mr Hendry on 16th July 2009 where he outlined his intention to operate the Tivoli Theatre on a profit-making basis as a mid-scale venue with ancillary facilities, through the Tivoli Theatre Company Ltd. In order to do this, he intends to renovate the building for this purpose at a cost of £5million over the next 3 years, which will be raised from private sector investors.

 

The Trust will continue to maintain an interest in the restoration of the building with particular attention to the historically significant elements of the building. The Trust welcomes the reinstatement of the Tivoli Theatre, providing a venue for a range of theatrical presentations, to complement other provision within the City. It can not pursue its own business proposal to operate a low-cost, not-for-profit model of mid-scale theatre for use by local amateur and visiting theatre companies with a museum of Scottish theatre and variety but intends to co-operate with the new owner in the development and re-opening of the Tivoli Theatre.

 

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