Hackney Empire Saved In Property Deal

Hackney Council this week rubber-stamped a £4.5 million property deal that will raise some much-needed cash for the troubled Hackney Empire. The theatre will sell an adjacent office block to developer the Thornsett Group, who will convert it into flats and retail units, and pay the Empire an undisclosed sum for the privilege. CEO Clarie Middleton described it as a "stabilising" deal, and it will help the famous institution settle itself financially over the coming months. The Empire remains closed until the panto season later this year, but should mount a full programme from 2011.