However, when the second phase of the rehabilitation works is completed in March 2023, the National Theatre would be restored to its original glory and a 5,000-seater main amphitheatre comparable to anything else in the world will sit at its heart, flanked by two world-class cinema rooms, banquet halls, and a library.
But THISDAY further gathered that the project is not just about restoring a building but also creating an ecosystem of support for the creative sector, as part of what is called the Lagos Creative & Entertainment Centre (LC&EC).
Moreover, the theatre itself will be at the heart of a larger development of hubs focused on supporting emerging talent in the music, film, fashion, and IT sectors.
The creative hubs are built on portions of land within the 44-hectare site.
According to sources from the Bankers’ Committee, the first phase known as the “Signature Cluster,” consists of a building each for fashion, music, film, and IT and support facilities, including a 250-car park block, a police station, a fire station, and a visitors’ Welcome Centre, which will house commercial and retail facilities, administration and management offices.
CBN Governor, Emefiele, while commenting on the completion of the first phase, said the facility would help the country to create a world-class creative sector at home.
He said: “The National Theatre is one of the symbols of Nigeria’s culture and heritage and must be at the heart of our work to enhance and celebrate the creative industries.
“The completion of phase 1 is a demonstration of the outcomes we can achieve when we work together as the public and private sectors. The central bank has been able to bring together the diverse set of stakeholders required to ensure that this project is delivered, from the Bankers Committee to the Ministries of Information and Culture, and Youth and Sports Development and the Lagos State Government.”
Emefiele further thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his “overwhelming support that has made the restoration of this national iconic symbol of arts and culture a reality.
