Way forward agreed for £8m refurb of Kilmarnock theatre complex

East Ayrshire Council has agreed funding for repairs to Kilmarnock’s Grand Hall & Palace Theatre Complex.It will allocate £5m into its capital programme proposals, which are due for review in February. The East Ayrshire Leisure Trust will also seek to generate grant funding towards the estimated £6m to £8m cost of repairs.The announcement follows local press reports and consequential public concern that the complex is in desperate need of repair, to the tune of almost £8m. “Whilst there is some truth in the reports, it is also important to set these reports within their proper context,” said the council.Its cabinet meeting this week has considered an updated report on the condition of all of its operational properties. The complex was 1 of 307 properties that formed part of a review, which began in June. The review considered the overall performance of the buildings, which included aspects including condition, accessibility, utilisation, energy efficiency and running costs.The review concluded that 146 properties were deemed to be performing well; a further 146 properties were performing as expected and 15 properties were underperforming, in terms of the fabric of the building. Of these 15 properties, two require ‘major capital investment’ in order to improve – the Palace Theatre and the Grand Hall.A range of works needs to be undertaken to preserve the building and address drainage issues that are harming the stonework. It is estimated that these costs could be in the region on £6m-£8m.