Aberdeen's Lemon Tree venue redevelopment "under review"
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Aberdeen Performing Arts has said its ambitious £8.3 million plan to redevelop the Lemon Tree is “under review” over funding concerns.
The revelation was made by the organisation’s new chief executive Sharon Burgess, who took on the role earlier this year.
It came as councillors were given an annual performance report of its arms length external organisations yesterday (ALEOs).
In its report, Aberdeen Performing Arts (APA) noted it marked the first year being back in business after its venues were forced to close during the pandemic.
Over the last year, 713 performances were held across His Majesty’s Theatre, the Music Hall and the Lemon Tree.
It is estimated that these shows were attended by more than 350,000 audiences and resulted in almost 9.8 million tickets being sold.
APA also hosted five hugely successful festivals, including the ever-popular Granite Noir and Light the Blue.
But councillor Marie Boulton asked if the organisation was still moving forward with its plans to redevelop the beloved West North Street venue.
Her question came as the council is looking to carry out a transformation of Queen Street that could include a new £61m urban park.
Ms Boulton hoped the proposal hadn’t “gone to the wayside” and praised the venue for being a “hub” for up-and-coming acts.
However, Ms Burgess was quick to reassure her that APA was “still hopeful” to carry out the revamp despite some financial worries.
She said: “As a building it is very important because of its scale and how we use the space.
“The ambitions to develop it are still very much at the forefront of our mind.
“However due to the uncertainty around funding, this has been pushed back ever so slightly.
“But it’s not off the table, it’s just under review.”
Meanwhile, councillor Lynn Thomson asked if APA would face any financial trouble following the Scottish Government’s decision to impose a £6.6m cut on arts body Creative Scotland.
Ms Burgess said there wouldn’t be an “immediate impact” but the whole sector is aware it could feel a hit in time.
Creative Scotland will be relying on reserves through the National Lottery Fund until 2025 to help make up for the funding shortfall.
The proposal to redevelop the Lemon Tree first came about back in October 2021.
It would see the performance space improved and expanded, while a new area for rehearsals would be formed.
An extension would be constructed with a new studio space, foyer and cafe.
Upgrade work would be carried out in the venue’s existing lounge and studio spaces.
A garden area has also been included in the plans that would allow outdoor performances to be held.
APA board members gave the plans the go-ahead last summer.
