Byre theatre rescue plans stall

Many of us have been following the “will-they/ won’t-they” story regarding the takeover of The Byre Theatre in recent months. It’s therefore going to come as a disappointment to some that barely a week after the university’s proposal gained backing from Fife Council, they are being shot down by other organisations.

Actors’ Union Equity, has challenged the university’s rescue campaign for The Byre, suggesting that it is purely a “takeover,” which would allow the university to solve their problem of insufficient lecture space. The plans laid out by the university may have won out when it comes to the council, but they are facing opposition when it comes down to the purpose of such a venue. It is in fact one of the only proposals for the theatre which does not involve it’s re-installation as a producing house for St Andrews.

It has been pointed out that the supported plan to alter the auditorium into a new lecture theatre for the music department (among other things) does not involve any sort of budget for drama and theatre arts to actually take place.

However, it has been argued that this proposal by the University has no great effect on the dramatic arts in St Andrews. As a theatre which has been closed for a year now, would the Byre be a great loss to us if it was given a new purpose once and for all? Who is to say that this venue won’t be used for multiple purposes in the future?

Update by the Stand

Tay Bridgehead councilor Tim Brett has voiced concerns that the Byre theatre will become closed off to civilians should the University purchase the property. However, Keith Winter, Fife Council’s executive director, environment, enterprise and communities said that the theatre will still be a publicly available facility.

Brett also opposes the proposed 25-year University lease of the property, requesting that a review of the situation should be taken after three or five years.  Still, Winter attempted to quell Brett’s fears, and ensures that the Byre will continue to function as an accessible public arts facility.