Councillors have given the go ahead to overhaul Kilmarnock’s iconic Palace Theatre, ensuring it will be eligible for funding.
However, there was some concern from councillors around the landscaping around the building and its integration within the wider town centre programme.
The Palace Theatre and Grand Hall is an “A” listed building, originally built in 1863 as a Corn Exchange and, while having listed status, has been extended and redesigned throughout its history.
The redevelopment work will include:
- Demolition of existing rear extensions, with limited historical value
- Construction of a single storey front foyer extension which will wrap around the front of the building and will incorporate a new larger foyer/lobby circulation area and a café/bar area.
- General refurbishment and redecoration
- New external roof terrace, lifts and rear extension
- Improved stage and service access and fly-tower
- Youth Theatre space
Planners also made a late change that will require the council to create a new drop off lay bay, after councillors pointed out that the new extension covers the existing bay.
Another condition recommended that councillors, while approving the application, would refrain from backing finalised streetscape plans to allow discussions between planners and applicant.
The works include new external paving, planters, seating and retaining wall to ‘enclose Burns Mall underpass, steps and handrails’.
However, officers said there is a requirement to carry this out in the context of the wider masterplan for ‘Cultural Kilmarnock’and links to the Infinity Loop active travel programme, the woodlands trail connecting to Elmbank Drive and the Dick Institute.
The report stated: “These works are being carried out in order to provide a modern, sustainable, inclusive and accessible venue.
“This is to ensure the future prosperity of the Palace Theatre and Grand Hall within the wider Cultural Kilmarnock masterplan.”
However, there was concern from some councillors who said they were uneasy that they would not have a say in the determination of this landscaping work if they approved the application.
Planning officer Fiona Finlay explained that normally such discussions around landscaping would be agreed by officers under delegated powers. It was also stated that a delay could impact the funding for the project.
Councillors Clare Maitland and Elaine Cowan asked for the decision to come back to the committee, while others were willing to be involved in an informal briefing that would allow them to provide input prior to the landscaping being agreed.
The report continued: “It is considered that the extension strikes an acceptable balance that allows for an extension that does not dominate the frontage and allows the building to maintain its overall character and appearance.
“It is of note that no consultee has raised an objection to the development, including heritage bodies who have, largely, indicated that they are supportive of the proposals.”
There were objections that largely focused on the historic nature of the building and argued that this would be compromised by the new designs.
Planners stated: “Whilst the points made by objectors are noted, they are not
considered to have raised any matter that would either outweigh the Development Plan or indicate that the listed building, its architectural features or its setting are not sufficiently preserved.
“Ultimately, the overall development proposals when considered as a whole are considered to secure the sustainable long term future of the building, and will bring vitality to the town centre.
“The proposed development will benefit the local community and also bring
economic benefit to the local area in terms of creating jobs for local people and providing health and wellbeing and cultural facilities.
“Local people will benefit from the proposal which will also attract visitors and tourists to the Kilmarnock town centre. It will reactivate the current frontage and safeguard the long term future of the “A” listed building.
“Bringing the existing use of the building back to life will have a positive benefit on the vitality of the Kilmarnock town centre by bringing people
into the area and increasing pedestrian activity including into the evening.
“The proposed changes will safeguard this significant heritage asset in a very prominent location in Kilmarnock townscape with a modern and future- proof approach to development to meet the requirements of a modern theatre and leisure facility. “
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