The Lyric Theatre, Belfast has won the award for hte Best Public Building category at tge 2011 Brick Awards and also the prestigious Supreme Winner award. The new Lyric Theatre opened in may 2011 and included the demolition of the existing theatre and the construction of a new building providing an auditorium, rehearsal room , and studio together with technical facilities, a reception, bar/foyer, offices and an education room.
Architects O'Donnell + Tuomey won an international arhcitectural competition held by the Lyric to design the new theatre facility, impressing judging panel chaired by Bob Allies of Allies and Morrision who described the development as 'an example of outstanding architectural commitment with beautiful interiors that cleverly links with the street scene.
Built on an epic scale, the Lyric is sited between the surrounding Belfast brick streetscape and the serpentine parkland of the River Lagan. The new building holds one corner of the continious system of brick streets and has been built brilliantly to match the surrounding local 'Belfast brick'. Built by brickwork contractor, Gilbert Ash NI using Heritage Red Blend bricks form Ibstock, the natural day lighting of the building is both sustainable and enhances the brickwork. The cleverly designed theatre is a constant surprise with new spaces at every level, a truly community building.
Wednesday 4 January 2012
Barking's Broadway Theatre faces closure
One of Theatreplan's buildings faces closure after the local authority announces proposals to cut all the funding to the 340-seat venue. The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham is currently considering a propsal to terminate its grant to the venue beyond April 1, 2012. The theatre opened in 2004 and is the only facility of its kind in the borough. It has already taken on a £100,000 cut to its £431,000 annual grant from the council in 2011/2012, with a further £65,000 saving planned for 2012/2013.
Despite putting forward proposals to completely cut the Broadway's funding, the council's budget report states: "This is the only venue of its type in the borough and so it provides a unique offer. It needs to be recognised that the provision of a professional and high-quality theatre is a important element of the plans by the council and its partners to regenerate the town centre and in economy."
There is an obligation on the local authority to keep the Broadway building operational, as it is used as the base of Barking and Dagenham College's performing arts department. However, the Broadway's artistic director and chief executive Karena Johnson said that all the professional work at the venue would be axed if the cut is pushed through. The budget proposals are currently being considered by councillors before the cabinet takes its final decision in the coming months. In the meantime, Barking and Dagenham is inviting members of the public to comment on the proposals online or by attending certain council events.
Despite putting forward proposals to completely cut the Broadway's funding, the council's budget report states: "This is the only venue of its type in the borough and so it provides a unique offer. It needs to be recognised that the provision of a professional and high-quality theatre is a important element of the plans by the council and its partners to regenerate the town centre and in economy."
There is an obligation on the local authority to keep the Broadway building operational, as it is used as the base of Barking and Dagenham College's performing arts department. However, the Broadway's artistic director and chief executive Karena Johnson said that all the professional work at the venue would be axed if the cut is pushed through. The budget proposals are currently being considered by councillors before the cabinet takes its final decision in the coming months. In the meantime, Barking and Dagenham is inviting members of the public to comment on the proposals online or by attending certain council events.
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