THE Pavilion will reopen after the city council ruled it too dangerous to operate in the wake of the Victoria’s night club fire.

The famous Glasgow theatre was forced to close its doors three months ago when the nearby night club burned down.

But it will be back in business on September 5, and “back to its former glory” according to its manager. 

Iain Gordon revealed today the theatre will commence its autumn season with Celtic: The Musical.

“I’m really delighted we’ve been given the go-ahead by the council to reopen the theatres,” he said.

“But to have been closed for so long has really been devastating. Theatres are all about keeping audiences happy and the danger has always been the longer we are closed the more likely people lose the habit of coming.”

Iain Gordon believes the recently formed Sauchiehall Street Traders Pressure Group has helped forced the city council’s hand.

“I don’t believe we would be getting back in with we hadn’t formed this group,” he said. It’s only through group action we’ve been able to vocalise our very real concerns about the impact on businesses.

“But what has emerged from this is a very real feeling the traders are deeply unhappy with council leader Susan Aitken’s seeming lack of willingness to confront the issues, to get us back in business quickly.

“For me this is a lady whose natural position is to have her head in the sand.”

Mr Gordon added: “There is little doubt in our mind had the Art School not been devastated we would not be talking about re-opening the Pavilion in September.

“It would have gone back to October as were once told. 

“But clearly, the idea of Sauchiehall Street businesses suffering at both ends was seen to be entirely unacceptable.”

Mr Gordon points out, however, that ongoing issues with the council have yet to be resolved.

“The traders are concerned about the competition they will face from pop-up markets in Sauchiehall Street.

“We really don’t want them reappearing just as we have the chance to try and mitigate some of our losses.”

The Pavilion still has to carry out major work before it can allow audiences to flock in once again.

“There has been considerable smoke damage to seats and carpets, but at least they don’t have to be replaced.“For the next few weeks we will be embarking upon an industrial clean of the place, with everything set to be fresh and clean for the new season. The Pavilion will return to its former glory.”

Victoria’s night club and the area around it has now been demolished.

Celtic – The Musical features the songs that have rung around Celtic Park over the years, performed by a live band, and reveals the history of the world-famous club.