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BBC News
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Search begins for operator to run new theatre in Brentford
Search begins for new operator to run arts venue 9 minutes ago Share Save Philip Lynch Local Democracy Reporting Service Share Save Pollard Thomas Edward Architects The new art centre is to be a state-of -the-art facility, Hounslow Council says A proposed new theatre for west London aimed at attracting some of the best shows in the UK has come a step closer to opening. After a decade in the planning of the new Hounslow Arts Centre, the local council is to begin looking for the "the right operator" to run the new venue near Brentford High Street. Plans were previously approved for the theatre, to replace the now closed Watermans Arts Centre, along with about 100 new homes on the development. The firm chosen to run it will be expected to attract "world-class" productions and audiences from across London, Hounslow council said. Many local people had expected Watermans Arts Centre's previous operator, the Hounslow Arts Trust, to run the new venue, which is to be built on the site of a former police station on Half Acre. However, a firm will be chosen via an open tendering process, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. It is understood that initially, the centre was to include a cinema, but as Everyman has since opened one nearby, a new live theatre space is now the priority. Facundo Arrizabalaga The new theatre is to be built on the site of the Watermans Arts Centre, which closed two years ago as it was not financially viable Cabinet member for culture, Salman Shaheen, said: "I want that to be a world-class arts and culture centre. One that serves our residents, and also brings people in from far and wide, from across London and beyond to see the very best acts. "That is why we are launching an open process to find the right operator – one that shares our aims, will deliver a broad and ambitious programme, and demonstrates it can be financially sustainable." The Watermans closed in April 2024 after Hounslow Arts Trust announced that it was no longer financially viable to keep it open. The tendering process will follow further work to test the local market and analyse local needs. The council has also reached a provisional agreement with a housing provider for the new homes which will also be built on the same site. Work is expected to begin on the new venue between the spring and summer of 2025. At this stage it is unclear when the centre and homes will open to the public, however the hope is the construction will be swift. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to
The National
01-05-2025
- Business
- The National
UAE school group sets global benchmark for teacher satisfaction standards
A UAE school operator has become the first education group in the country to receive a prestigious global accolade for promoting the well-being of teachers and fostering a positive working environment. The Taaleem school group was awarded 'Best School to Work Certified Group' status by global education organisation T4 Education, a recognition granted only to school bodies where more than half of individual schools have received high satisfaction scores from staff in detailed, anonymous surveys. While a number of institutions have received 'Best School to Work' status, this is the first time that an entire school group in the UAE has received the accolade. To achieve the award, school groups are assessed on leadership, collaboration, professional wellness and working environment. The accolade is part of the Best School to Work programme, a global industry standard for school culture and workplace conditions. The initiative is backed by a community of more than 200,000 teachers and school leaders worldwide. 'Congratulations to Taaleem on the rare distinction of becoming a Best School to Work Certified Group,' said Vikas Pota, founder of T4 Education and Best School to Work. 'Your leadership, culture and vision have created an environment in which teachers can flourish.' The certification process includes a forensic assessment of school leadership, inclusivity, collaboration and staff development opportunities. According to T4 Education, the anonymous surveys are weighted by an algorithm to produce final scores. Salman Shaheen, T4 Education's director of communications, told The National that while a number of other UAE schools have announced they have been certified as a Best School to Work. These include British School Al Khubairat, The Arbor School, Deira International School, Horizon International School. 'Taaleem is the first UAE school chain to announce it has achieved Best School to Work Certified Group status.' Taaleem, which operates a growing network of premium private schools across the Emirates, attributed the recognition to its sustained investment in staff development and well-being. 'The quality of a school never exceeds the quality – and well-being – of its teachers,' said Alan Williamson, chief executive of Taaleem. 'At Taaleem, we are deeply committed to fostering a culture where educators feel valued, supported, and inspired to thrive. 'Achieving Best School to Work Certified Group status is a powerful testament to this commitment. It reflects our dedication to placing educators at the heart of our mission.' The group has introduced several support mechanisms, including Taaleem Teaching School – an online and in-person professional learning platform, that delivers coaching and training to staff. The group also offers online counselling, employee discounts, regular interactive wellness sessions both online and in schools and medical check-up days. The UAE has in recent years increased efforts to position itself as a hub for quality education. With more than 200 private schools in Dubai alone and a growing expatriate community, competition to attract top teaching talent remains intense. 'This recognition will help us continue to attract and retain the very best teaching talent, ensuring we deliver the very highest standards of education,' said Mr Williamson. The group recently announced the opening of new Harrow-branded schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
