AS EDINBURGH Fringe veterans reflect on another festival period, concerns have been raised about a £12m plan to update one of the Fringe’s central venues - a move which theatre experts claim could be detrimental to the city’s largest arts festival.

The City of Edinburgh Council’s plan to remodel the Assembly Rooms, a New Town based venue, is scheduled for September 2010 and is predicted to take 22 months to complete.

 The plans involve a revamp of the building framework and facilities, and will result in the transformation of the downstairs theatre space into an area for retail outlets and fine dining.

While council members said this investment is long overdue, theatre professionals warn that the loss of theatre space and the closure of the venue for two festival periods will render the building inoperable.

William Burdett-Coutts, director of Assembly Theatre, said that while he supports the need to upgrade the building, the current plans would signal the end for his company’s operation.

“I don’t think the council have thought this plan out thoroughly, in fact, they are shooting themselves in the foot,” Burdett-Coutts told Student: “The tragedy lies in the fact that they want to make the building more energetic during the year. In the process I think it will make it a dull place all year round.”

Burdett-Coutts employs over 200 professionals and students during the festival period and his company injects over £10 million in visitor spending into the city each year.

Despite arguments raised, the council is keen to continue with their plans. According to officials, they have given Assembly three years notice of the future refurbishment and will open up the building to other operators if needed.

City Culture Leader Deidre Brock told Student: “I think the Assembly Rooms would be in great demand - the venue is in the best possible location and once works are complete it will be one of Scotland’s premier venues.”