The UK government has awarded Levelling-Up funding of £20 million to support the creation of a new national cultural destination in Kilmarnock.

East Ayrshire Council will use the funding for the redevelopment of the Palace Theatre and Grand Hall. Funding will allow the venue to expand its offer and attract external performers.

Anneke Freel, Chief Officer East Ayrshire Leisure Trust said: "This is such an exciting project for Kilmarnock and for Ayrshire that will allow us to create a theatre and concert hall that will attract high profile performers and make performing arts more accessible to local people."

The extensive refurbishment will:

• improve accessibility in customer and performance areas

• create a new cafe and bar

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• allow the theatre to establish a new youth theatre company

• create a new entrance to the building

Councillor Claire Maitland, Chair of East Ayrshire Leisure Trust said: "The investment will be fantastic for the town and East Ayrshire, revitalising a much-loved building. I can't wait to see the music, drama and performers that we'll welcome to the area in the future."

Cultural Parkland

A new travel corridor and wayfinding will be introduced in the heart of Kilmarnock's Cultural Quarter. It will link the Palace Theatre, Grand Hall and the Dick Institute. This project will allow opportunities for outdoor performances and enhance the natural environment.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council said: "We are all tremendously excited by this project - this is the stuff dreams are made of! This investment in our cultural offering will bring significant economic, social and environmental benefits to East Ayrshire."

The parkland aims to maximise the links between the Palace Theatre and Kilmarnock Water with:

• a natural amphitheatre with a seating capacity of up to 150 people

• a new pedestrian bridge

• a new pop-up cafe

Currently, Cultural Kilmarnock and the town centre are only linked by a poorly lit underpass. Levelling Up funding will allow for the underpass to be removed and replaced with a new safe crossing. This will also provide better connections between the Burns Mall and Sturrock Street.