Empire’s latest show

Just days after debate on the Cultural Industries Bill which focused on the importance of that sector to the development of Barbados, the country’s iconic Empire Theatre building sticks out like a sore thumb in The City.
Built in 1922 but abandoned three decades ago, the historic building has gradually deteriorated.
Last January, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth Stephen Lashley said Cabinet had approved a $10 million proposal to turn the Empire into a 290-seat theatre, a craft brewery manufacturing Barbadian beer and also a visitor centre and small museum.
He said work would begin on the Probyn Street facility when the necessary approvals were granted by the Town and Country Planning Department.
However, to date, there has been no word on when that work would begin or if the Town and Country Planning Department was any closer to granting permission.
Here, the building, which is now a haven for birds, rodents and insects, continues to deteriorate with windows and sections of the roof missing. (MM)