The owner of Newcastle's historic Victoria Theatre in Perkins Street has been told the venue's revitalisation is not eligible for state arts funding.
Century Group, which owns Sydney's Enmore Theatre, purchased the dilapidated building in 2015 in the hope of seeing it restored to its former glory as a live performance space.
The company's Executive Director, Greg Khoury wrote to Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Arts Minister, Don Harwin in January seeking funding for the revitalisation and redevelopment of the iconic theatre with a view to placing it in a trust to enable its long term operation.
In a letter to Mr Khoury dated 6 March, Don Harwin advised that the theatre's revitalisation plan would not qualify for funding under any of the established categories through the Arts and Cultural Development Program. However, Mr Harwin went on to say that the 1000 seat theatre may be eligible for funding under he Program once it becomes a functioning venue.
State member for Newcastle, Tim Crackanthorp has slammed the Berejiklian Government for its failure to match Labor's promise to provide $3 million towards reviving the theatre if it wins government on Saturday.
" The Berejiklian Government has the wrong priorities - preferring to splurge billions on Sydney stadiums while Newcastle misses out once again. Labor's decision to invest in Victoria Theatre will help promote Newcastle as an arts and culture hub for domestic and international visitors." he said.
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| The Victoria Theatre picture: victoriatheatre.com.au |
