QUÉBEC, March 20, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - "The Québec government will provide assistance of up to $30 million, as part of a $60-million project, to the City of Québec, Ex Machina and its partners for the construction of the Théâtre Le Diamant. This facility will complete the cultural hub in Place d'Youville and make it possible to stage international-calibre performances, including those of Robert Lepage," Minister of Finance Raymond Bachand announced today in tabling the Québec government's Budget 2012-2013.

The proposed project has two components. The first component involves the construction of two concert halls, one of which will have 625 seats as well as a flexible state-of-the-art layout tailored to the needs of contemporary artistic productions. The second component involves the fitting up of commercial and restaurant space.

The Théâtre Le Diamant will showcase the repertoire of Ex Machina by staging productions that have left their mark on theatre around the world in recent years. It will also be the perfect venue for hosting productions of the Carrefour international de théâtre, foreign productions, circus shows and opera.

A greenbelt for the capital
The government will also mobilize funding of $10 million for implementing a comprehensive land-use and development plan for the capital, particularly for the creation of blue and green zones for developing natural and human environments and preserving their biodiversity. This assistance reflects a firm intention to support the Communauté métropolitaine de Québec in its efforts to develop and manage its territory in a sustainable manner.