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Friday, 22 February 2008, 12:09 GMT

Lemon Tree set to re-open doors

Aberdeen arts venue The Lemon Tree - which went into voluntary liquidation with the loss of 50 jobs in December - is to re-open under new management.

A deal agreed with Aberdeen City Council will see it taken over by Aberdeen Performing Arts (APA).

APA plans to develop a programme including contemporary dance and drama, along with music and comedy.

Staff will be recruited in the coming months and the aim is to re-open The Lemon Tree in June.

'Thriving future'

APA chief executive Duncan Hendry said: "We are delighted that we have been selected by the city council to operate the Lemon Tree.

"We are looking forward to the challenge of re-opening the venue and putting in place an exciting programme."

City council resources management committee convener Kevin Stewart said: "Everyone was saddened by the sudden closure of the venue.

"Now we have a new beginning for this popular arts centre, which can now look forward to a thriving future."

Charitable trust APA was set up to manage the Music Hall, Aberdeen Box Office and His Majesty's Theatre (HMT).

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Related to this story:
Agreement could save Lemon Tree (18 Jan 08 | North East/N Isles )
Lemon Tree rescue attempt fails (21 Dec 07 | North East/N Isles )
Lemon Tree aid time running out (19 Dec 07 | North East/N Isles )
Battle on to save The Lemon Tree (06 Dec 07 | North East/N Isles )
Lemon Tree closure a bitter pill (05 Dec 07 | North East/N Isles )
Charity band gig raises £1,200 (03 Sep 07 | North East/N Isles )

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