New plans for Unity unveiled as major funding secured

Following on from the completion of the Royal Court's latest phase of refurbishment, there's more good news from the Unity, which has secured nearly half a million pounds from the Arts Council for a complete overhaul.There's still more fundraising to be done, but the idea will be to move the existing entrance and open out the foyer and bar spaces, making much more effective use of the facilities and building, a "sustainable 21st century venue", as they put it.The money has come from the Art's Council's Small Scale Capital Redevelopment fund. The Unity announced it will be awarded the full amount it applied for - £435,000 towards the £750,000 project.Artistic director and CEO Matthew Linley, said: “It’s about making Unity strong and resilient, enabling us to be – for our artists and audiences – a place to dream.”To enable the works, the theatre will close on June 25 and reopen on September 26.Further contributions from Liverpool City Council and the Unity’s own reserves leave a remaining fundraising target is £125,000. Unity aims to raise £75,000 through trust and foundation applications and the remaining £50,000 through individual giving. Executive director Sue Williams, said: “We have twelve months to raise the further £50,000 needed to carry out all our vital work. In this time if every visitor donated just £1, this could be achieved.”