Edinburgh's historic Assembly Rooms are due to reopen in July following a major refurbishment..., Monday May 14 2012
Edinburgh's historic Assembly Rooms are
due to reopen in July following a major refurbishment. We spoke to
the venue's General Manager Shona Clelland...
Why is this refurbishment happening and what's the
total investment?
The Assembly Rooms is a grade A-listed national architectural
treasure and much loved Edinburgh venue which was in serious need
of refurbishment and renewal. The total investment is £9.3m. As
well as funding from The
City of Edinburgh Council, we were pleased to receive
contributions from Historic Scotland, the Scottish Government and
the Heritage Lottery Fund. This project will ensure the building
remains one of Edinburgh's most prestigious and stylish venues,
revitalising the space and making the Assembly Rooms a hive of
activity all year round.
What key improvements are being made?
The Assembly Rooms is being brought back to its breathtaking
best. Access and technical resources have been fully modernised
alongside full refurbishment of the key rooms, such as the
Ballroom, Music Hall, East and West Drawing Rooms. The
refurbishment has involved a great deal of painstaking
craftsmanship, refreshing period features and detailing such as the
magnificent chandeliers, ornate cornicing and beautiful Coade
statues.
As part of the refurbishment, the two original shop spaces on
the ground floor are being returned to their former retail use,
while celebrated restaurant Jamie's Italian will take up residence
in the Supper Room / Edinburgh Suite, with access on to Rose
Street.
How is the project going?
The refurbishment is progressing very well and we are looking
forward to completion on time and on budget.
When do you reopen and what are you looking forward to
most?
Our first public event will be a fantastic ceilidh on Saturday
21st July, and then the Edinburgh Festival Fringe moves in for
August. We are very much looking forward to seeing our visitors'
(hopefully positive!) reactions to this genuinely beautiful venue
as it resumes its rightful place as the beating heart of George
Street.
