. The redevelopment of the Citizens Theatre in the Gorbals has been plagued by funding issues and delays over the years. The project in 2018 was initially projected to cost £20m, which has since increased to £30m.
In June, an extra £2m in funding was pledged by Glasgow City Council amid fears the building works would not be finished. The B-listed theatre, known affectionately as The Citz, is set to reopen in summer 2025. The theatre’s refurbishment is the first in 140 years, with new historical features discovered during the renovations.
Artistic director Dominic Hill told STV News: “We’re doing an incredibly complicated job here of knitting an old building and a new building together. “One of the things that’ll have the biggest impact for our visitors in the future is the fact you’ll go through modern doors and the first thing you’ll see if this really beautiful Victorian sandstone building. “We’ve uncovered all that and found these beautiful arches that’ll take visitors into the stalls.
” There were 451 seats in the theatre but after the redesign it will hold 654. Spectators will have an improved view but also retain the intimate feeling between audience and actors that the Citz is renowned for. Considered a home base for the Scottish theatre industry, there will be new studios and spaces for fostering young talent in the city and beyond.
Local creatives say the reopening of the Citz is bringing hope to a sector “clinging on by its fingernails.” .