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20/09/2005
Crescent Arts Centre to £4.8M refurbishment
In a further boost to Belfast’s Arts Scene, the Crescent Arts Centre is to receive a major £4.8 million facelift.
The Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure David Hanson said that Government would be contributing up to £2.5 million towards the project.
“The Crescent Arts Centre is unique in Belfast with the vast range of organisations that it houses or facilitates.
“This investment will mean that the Arts Centre will be able to stay in this beautiful Victorian building which is situated in an ideal location. This is more good news for Belfast and puts arts and culture at the heart of city life.”
Mr Hanson pointed out that the project was yet another major step towards the regeneration of the Arts scene in Belfast with £18 million being allocated over the next three years to improving arts venues.
The Minister said that together with the £1.2 million Lottery Funds already committed by the Arts Council and £319,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the £2.5 million in funding represented a "huge step towards realising the Crescent’s goal of a refurbished centre."
Emphasising that the investment in the Crescent Arts Centre was not only about supporting the arts in Belfast, but also about contributing to the economic and social regeneration of the City, the Minister said: “Over the past ten years Belfast has reinvented itself as a modern capital city. Taken together with development plans already announced for the Grand Opera House, the Lyric Theatre and the Ulster Museum this announcement gives a further impetus to the cultural renaissance now underway in the city.”
Rosemary Kelly, Chairman of the Arts Council, praised the Crescent’s role as a neutral venue that had succeeded in bringing together increasing numbers of people from the local communities in south Belfast.
She said: “This is a vital arts resource which has been carefully nurtured over the last 20 years. This major investment, in addition to our year-round financial support, will allow the Crescent to develop its important work in a transformed environment that is fit for purpose and fully accessible.”
Former Assembly Minister Michael McGimpsey welcomed the funding announcement.
In a statement, the UUP South Belfast assembly member said: “This is a very welcome development which will greatly assist in further refurbishment and expansion of services.
“The Crescent Arts Centre provides a number of vital outreach and educational programmes which can release individual creativity, improve self-confidence and, consequently, assist community development.
“Promoting accessibility to the arts and creating a positive environment for creative exchange within the community is a worthy goal which I am pleased to see will be further enhanced following this announcement.”
(SP)
The Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure David Hanson said that Government would be contributing up to £2.5 million towards the project.
“The Crescent Arts Centre is unique in Belfast with the vast range of organisations that it houses or facilitates.
“This investment will mean that the Arts Centre will be able to stay in this beautiful Victorian building which is situated in an ideal location. This is more good news for Belfast and puts arts and culture at the heart of city life.”
Mr Hanson pointed out that the project was yet another major step towards the regeneration of the Arts scene in Belfast with £18 million being allocated over the next three years to improving arts venues.
The Minister said that together with the £1.2 million Lottery Funds already committed by the Arts Council and £319,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the £2.5 million in funding represented a "huge step towards realising the Crescent’s goal of a refurbished centre."
Emphasising that the investment in the Crescent Arts Centre was not only about supporting the arts in Belfast, but also about contributing to the economic and social regeneration of the City, the Minister said: “Over the past ten years Belfast has reinvented itself as a modern capital city. Taken together with development plans already announced for the Grand Opera House, the Lyric Theatre and the Ulster Museum this announcement gives a further impetus to the cultural renaissance now underway in the city.”
Rosemary Kelly, Chairman of the Arts Council, praised the Crescent’s role as a neutral venue that had succeeded in bringing together increasing numbers of people from the local communities in south Belfast.
She said: “This is a vital arts resource which has been carefully nurtured over the last 20 years. This major investment, in addition to our year-round financial support, will allow the Crescent to develop its important work in a transformed environment that is fit for purpose and fully accessible.”
Former Assembly Minister Michael McGimpsey welcomed the funding announcement.
In a statement, the UUP South Belfast assembly member said: “This is a very welcome development which will greatly assist in further refurbishment and expansion of services.
“The Crescent Arts Centre provides a number of vital outreach and educational programmes which can release individual creativity, improve self-confidence and, consequently, assist community development.
“Promoting accessibility to the arts and creating a positive environment for creative exchange within the community is a worthy goal which I am pleased to see will be further enhanced following this announcement.”
(SP)
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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 May 2011
Crescents Arts Centre Scoops Award
A revitalised arts centre was the star of the show at a prestigious awards event today as it was named Northern Ireland's building project of the year.
Crescents Arts Centre Scoops Award
A revitalised arts centre was the star of the show at a prestigious awards event today as it was named Northern Ireland's building project of the year.
23 November 2009
April Opening For Revamped Arts Centre
Belfast's refurbished Crescent Arts Centre will opens its doors to the public in April, it has been confirmed. The £7.2m restoration project at the listed Victorian complex began in September 2008. Works undertaken at the arts centre include the creation of new state-of-the-art dance studios, performance spaces and photography studios.
April Opening For Revamped Arts Centre
Belfast's refurbished Crescent Arts Centre will opens its doors to the public in April, it has been confirmed. The £7.2m restoration project at the listed Victorian complex began in September 2008. Works undertaken at the arts centre include the creation of new state-of-the-art dance studios, performance spaces and photography studios.
06 March 2006
Belfast arts receive £9m boost
The Old Museum Arts Centre is to benefit from over £9 million public funding investment for new purpose built premises.
Belfast arts receive £9m boost
The Old Museum Arts Centre is to benefit from over £9 million public funding investment for new purpose built premises.
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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.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.
