Menu
18/06/2010
Lyric Rebuilding Praised By Minister
The performing arts in Northern Ireland 'scaled new heights' this week as south Belfast's Lyric Theatre reached the highest point in the construction of its new theatre, with the core building structure now complete.
As the last roof beam was put in place major capital donors, sponsors and dignitaries gathered on the roof to celebrate the 'Topping Out'.
Lyric Chairman, the BBC's Mark Carruthers, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Pat Convery, Arts Minister, Nelson McCausland (second from right) and Chairman of The Arts Council for Northern Ireland Rosemary Kelly, are pictured at the ceremony where Stormont Arts Minister Nelson McCausland praised the progress being made on the construction.
He said: "I welcome this opportunity to see the progress which has been made on the new theatre since my last visit in September and that the Northern Ireland Executive's contribution of over £9m to the project is producing such tangible results.
"The new theatre is really taking shape and I have no doubt that it will be a landmark building for both Belfast and Northern Ireland when it is completed," he commented, noting that investment in the arts is a "key contributor to physical, social and economic regeneration and, even in the current tough economic climate, it is important to recognise the contribution which arts and culture makes to our society".
The new theatre will include a 390-seat auditorium, a flexible performance studio, rehearsal space and improved front-of-house and backstage facilities.
The Minister continued: "While the building is impressive today, the real test will occur in a few months' time, when the lights dim and the curtain rises on opening night.
"Then, these walls will reverberate with drama, intrigue, excitement and laughter as the new Lyric comes alive," he enthused.
The new Lyric Theatre is being built at a total cost of £18m with the main funders being the Department of Culture & Leisure, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council.
A successful fundraising campaign has been undertaken by the Lyric which has raised over £5m to date towards the project.
(BMcC?GK)
As the last roof beam was put in place major capital donors, sponsors and dignitaries gathered on the roof to celebrate the 'Topping Out'.
Lyric Chairman, the BBC's Mark Carruthers, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Pat Convery, Arts Minister, Nelson McCausland (second from right) and Chairman of The Arts Council for Northern Ireland Rosemary Kelly, are pictured at the ceremony where Stormont Arts Minister Nelson McCausland praised the progress being made on the construction.
He said: "I welcome this opportunity to see the progress which has been made on the new theatre since my last visit in September and that the Northern Ireland Executive's contribution of over £9m to the project is producing such tangible results.
"The new theatre is really taking shape and I have no doubt that it will be a landmark building for both Belfast and Northern Ireland when it is completed," he commented, noting that investment in the arts is a "key contributor to physical, social and economic regeneration and, even in the current tough economic climate, it is important to recognise the contribution which arts and culture makes to our society".
The new theatre will include a 390-seat auditorium, a flexible performance studio, rehearsal space and improved front-of-house and backstage facilities.
The Minister continued: "While the building is impressive today, the real test will occur in a few months' time, when the lights dim and the curtain rises on opening night.
"Then, these walls will reverberate with drama, intrigue, excitement and laughter as the new Lyric comes alive," he enthused.
The new Lyric Theatre is being built at a total cost of £18m with the main funders being the Department of Culture & Leisure, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council.
A successful fundraising campaign has been undertaken by the Lyric which has raised over £5m to date towards the project.
(BMcC?GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
20 April 2010
Crescent Arts Centre Restoration Complete
The newly refurbished Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast has been re-opened, following an 18-month restoration project. The £7.2m scheme involved a refurbishment and restoration, which has preserved the exterior façade of the Grade II listed building. The refurbished centre includes an extension that increases the accommodation by approximately 900m2.
Crescent Arts Centre Restoration Complete
The newly refurbished Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast has been re-opened, following an 18-month restoration project. The £7.2m scheme involved a refurbishment and restoration, which has preserved the exterior façade of the Grade II listed building. The refurbished centre includes an extension that increases the accommodation by approximately 900m2.
18 March 2011
£18m Lyric Theatre Close To 'Curtain-up'
The countdown has started with a preview of the new Lyric Theatre prior to the official opening in May by Stormont Arts Minister Nelson McCausland.
£18m Lyric Theatre Close To 'Curtain-up'
The countdown has started with a preview of the new Lyric Theatre prior to the official opening in May by Stormont Arts Minister Nelson McCausland.
16 February 2011
'Testers' Try Out NI Arts' Scene
More than 4,000 'testers' have sampled NI's rich, cultural arts scene for the very first time, thanks to Test Drive the Arts NI. Celebrating its first birthday this month, Test Drive the Arts has helped pack-out theatres and venues as newcomers to the arts experienced some of the hottest shows.
'Testers' Try Out NI Arts' Scene
More than 4,000 'testers' have sampled NI's rich, cultural arts scene for the very first time, thanks to Test Drive the Arts NI. Celebrating its first birthday this month, Test Drive the Arts has helped pack-out theatres and venues as newcomers to the arts experienced some of the hottest shows.
17 December 2010
Northern Bank 'Sets Scene' For Lyric
The Lyric Theatre has announced a major funding boost as details of a five-year partnership with Northern Bank were revealed at an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the new theatre. Building work is nearing completion and the Lyric will reopen its doors on Sunday 1 May 2011 with a gala performance on the newly named Northern Bank Stage.
Northern Bank 'Sets Scene' For Lyric
The Lyric Theatre has announced a major funding boost as details of a five-year partnership with Northern Bank were revealed at an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the new theatre. Building work is nearing completion and the Lyric will reopen its doors on Sunday 1 May 2011 with a gala performance on the newly named Northern Bank Stage.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
