A WORKING group has been formed to develop a closer relationship between the Alhambra theatre and the Carnegie Hall.

The decision came at Tuesday's meeting of Fife Council's executive committee, following a a recommendation last week by the education, health and social care committee to suspend one-year funding of £150,000 to the Alhambra amid concerns for the theatre's future.

Alhambra Theatre Trust (ATT) said it “never asked for, and does not intend to accept” the money and added that the initial proposal to give the theatre £150,000 a year for three years, as well as up to £50,000 a year to support the costs of booking major West End shows, was the council's idea after amalgamation talks fell through.

ATT had requested £350,000 to run both the Alhambra and Carnegie Hall in the first year, “decreasing annually to £215,000 in the fifth year”, with the reduction in funding a result of increased income and efficiencies.

The trust said it was not interested in an “Alhambra-only funding package”, adding: “We have made it clear in our meetings with Fife Council from the outset that this is not the outcome that we seek.”

Following Tuesday's meeting, Linda Temple, Fife Council's cultural partnerships and events strategy manager, said: “As agreed at executive committee, a working group will be established to include the Alhambra Theatre Trust, Fife Cultural Trust (FCT), Fife Council officers and elected members, to take forward discussions on developing a closer operating relationship between the Alhambra and Carnegie Hall.

"This is to develop a co-ordinated approach to theatre provision and programming, to bring further economic, cultural and community benefits to Dunfermline and the wider area, and potentially produce further operating efficiencies. Progress will be reported back to the executive committee.”

Alhambra owner, businessman Bill Fletcher, said he was “perfectly happy with the outcome of the meeting”.

He told the Press: “The £150,000 is still part of the ongoing discussions between ourselves, Fife Council and FCT. It was never a standalone request.

“We're more happy that there seems to be a bit more understanding among councillors of this whole rather complex process.

“We've been in discussions with Fife Council and FCT over the last seven months and we look forward to continuing this.

“We were invited into the process of looking at ways of how Fife Council could save money and one of the options was if one operator could run both theatres and provide savings.

“You've got two theatres competing in a small town and to date, there's never been any real attempt so they complement instead of compete with each other.

“All this formed the background to this. We remain committed to our vision under the banner of Dunfermline performing arts to see if we can create a whole new cultural identity for Dunfermline and to see if both theatres can work in tandem.”