Latest news with #artscentre
BBC News
15 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Improvement plan and £285k investment for Wantage theatre
A £285,000 revamp of an Oxfordshire town's arts centre has been approved, along with an improvement plan for the money from Vale of White Horse District Council will be spent on refurbishing the Beacon Arts Centre, in part of the action plan, food and drink offerings will be reviewed and "more co-ordinated" marketing will be carried out to boost ticket the council said fees and charges had already been increased at the venue - and would be reviewed again in the middle of the year to "assess if any further commercial opportunities exist". The money will also pay for improving the venue's reception area, refurbishing toilets and creating a more attractive entrance. Originally a Civic Hall built in 1973, The Beacon now has a theatre, dance studio and three function improvements are the second phase of an action plan - and the council said it had already done things like start National Theatre Live screenings and re-introduce a Helen Pighill said the authority had to balance The Beacon's "dual role" as an entertainment venue, aiming to be more commercial, and the "valuable public service" it offered for things like training and said: "The first phase action plan for the Beacon, adopted in February 2024, laid the groundwork for improvements and this next phase addresses outstanding actions, while introducing a comprehensive set of new initiatives."The council said it was also developing a "Culture, Heritage and Creative Industries Strategy" for South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Architectural icon and one of the UK's top 20 cultural attractions unveils plans for £240million makeover
CULTURAL icon the Barbican arts centre has unveiled its hugely ambitious plans for a £240 million makeover – complete with "theatrical planting". New images of the stunning renewal of one of the UK's top cultural attractions have been revealed as consultation on the proposals enter its second stage. 9 9 9 9 And it's certainly impressive – with a lakeside terrace another of its stunning new features. The newly released images show what the 43-year-old Barbican's conservatory, foyers and lakeside areas could look like after the restoration work has been completed. And that includes an urban oasis, a lakeside terrace, and dynamic new civic spaces. The Barbican's management team said the vision had received strong support in the initial phase of consultation with 90% of respondents reacting positively. Philippa Simpson, director of buildings and renewal, said: 'We've been incredibly encouraged by the public's enthusiasm for our plans. "These new images reflect a vision for the Barbican Centre that stays true to our unique heritage and bold character while making us an inclusive, sustainable and meaningful place for everyone.' As part of the design process, the architects and Barbican project team worked with two codesign groups made up of people aged 18-30 years old. Their insights and suggestions also helped inform the ambitious plans. The Grade II-listed Brutalist architectural icon was constructed on London's biggest post-war bombsite. It was hailed by Queen Elizabeth II at its 1982 opening, as 'one of the wonders of the modern world'. 9 One of the UK's top 20 cultural attractions, it attracted 1.54 million visitors last year alone. 'Utopian' English housing estate used to film Star Wars and James Bond – and it's free to visit However, after 40 years , the centre is starting to show its age and is in urgent need of upgrade. The first phase of the renewal plan from 2025-30 will deliver: A fully accessible conservatory which will remain open to the public almost every day. It will also have a new water feature, and 'theatrical' planting. There will also be a rejuvenated lakeside terrace, with fully functioning fountains, new landscaping, climate-friendly planting, improved seating and lighting. Also in place will be flexible foyers, that will' bring the arts out into the heart of the centre'. The design team delivering the programme are led by architects Allies and Morrison working with Asif Khan Studio and engineers Buro Happold, lighting designers les éclaireurs, inclusive design advisors, Arup, circular economy experts, Reusefully, and landscapers Harris Bugg Studio. 9 9 9 9 The City of London Corporation has committed £191 million to fund 80% of the first phase of works. A major fundraising drive is planned to secure the remaining support needed to fund the full programme. Subject to planning approval, construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the first phase due for completion in 2030, just ahead of the Barbican's 50th anniversary in 2032. Here's a rainforest in the UK with more than 800 types of plants and animals... The Living Rainforest is in the tiny village of Hampstead Norreys in Berkshire. Run by the Trust for Sustainable Living, as many as 100,000 people visit a year. Inside are three glasshouses, with more than 800 types of plants and animals - many of which are free-roaming. This includes the blue poison dart frog as well as pythons and toucans. The larger mammals include the two-toed sloth which is free-roaming and a six-banded armadillo.
BBC News
13-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Disused Sunderland church to become arts and learning centre
A historic church building could receive a new lease of life as an adult learning and arts City Council's planning department has approved the change of use of St Mary's Church in South Grade II listed structure, which sits on the corner of Wear Street and Church Street, dates to the 1800s and has been vacant for some time.A previous property listing for the site said the church had "formally closed for worship" and described it as a "redevelopment opportunity for a range of possible new uses". The applicant is a firm called Pecorino Properties, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.A statement of intended use submitted to the council said the aim was to "use the building for adult education and arts-related activities", with a focus on "learning, participation and cultural engagement".The space would host arts exhibitions and a range of other creative initiatives alongside educational programmes involving maths and literacy.A council report said there would be no external changes made to the church as part of the any future building work to facilitate the new use "may require planning permission and/or building regulations approval", planning documents recent months, a company with the same name has also been progressing plans to repurpose another Grade II listed church in the city, St Mark's, off Hylton Road in the Millfield included plans to revive the space to attract not-for-profit organisations, local artists and small start-up businesses to occupy new units on site. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
