REDEVELOPMENT
Our beautiful and unique venue in St Andrew’s Church has been at the heart of our Community for almost 150 years.
To celebrate this milestone in 2020 we committed to redeveloping the space to create a warm, safe, accessible, practical and beautiful building.
We are so excited to be starting in January 2024. This means our arts centre will be out of action until March but we look forward to reopening in April with underfloor heating, accessible stage and a new floor.
We want our venue to be;
- Comfortable throughout the year
- Accessible for all visitors
- Safe for everyone using the building
- Adaptable for the needs of the next generation
- Sustainable into the future
But we need your help to make it a Reality
Since 2020 we have raised over £350,000 and will be starting the project in January 2024. There is still a small amount of fundraising to go on and you can help continue our journey at this justgiving page.
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/loveyourartscentre
At any event come and ask a member of staff about the redevelopment but here is a summary of the plans:
Flooring – Phase 1
The current flooring is unfit for purpose.
The parquet flooring is lifting making it unsafe for all.
The new ceramic tiles will be non-slip providing a safe surface for all the activities which will take place.
Heating – Phase 1
The present heaters are on the walls and are noisy and ineffective, heating the side aisles which are largely unused.
Underfloor heating will warm the whole of the church. Over time this will have the flexibility to be fuelled by ecological, sustainable means.
Accessibility -Phase 1
The current stage does not provide access for everyone.
By adding a ramp to the new, much bigger stage, which will then flow into the areas behind, we will be able to welcome everyone.
Lighting – Phase 2
The current lighting is old and ineffective, unsafe to maintain.
The planned new system will be lower, at the base of the arches, enabling safer maintenance. It will also be more economic to run.
Font – Phase 1
This is currently situated at the busy entrance to the building and is a trip hazard.
The font will be moved to the side altar near the toilet.
Bar Area/Kitchen- Phase 2
This area desperately needs creating.
Fun and community building through sharing food and drink is a big part of what we do.
A purpose built facility will be well used by Church congregations and Arts Centre patrons alike.