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20/04/2010
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.
It also comprises the reconfiguration of existing rooms, including a café area on the ground floor of the refurbished building, the installation of a lift and other work to comply with Disability Discrimination Act requirements.
NI Arts Minister Nelson McCausland, (pictured) who officially opened the facility, said: "This investment is clear evidence that the Northern Ireland Executive, through my Department, believe that the arts and the creative industries sectors are a fundamental part of our cultural identity and contribute significantly to our economy and well-being.
"My Department has contributed £4.5m to the total funding package of £7.2m to this project which has produced such tangible results."
The Minister continued: "The Crescent Arts Centre is the first of three major Capital Arts Projects in Belfast to complete.
"The new Lyric Theatre is due for completion in March next year and work is well underway at the site of the MAC at St Anne's Square.
"The investment has not been restricted to Belfast. A number of projects in the North West have benefitted from substantial investment through the North West Challenge Fund."
Speaking at the opening, Rosemary Kelly, Chairman of the Arts Council, added: "At the Arts Council, we are proud to have invested in the Crescent Arts Centre, which can only be described as the birthplace of modern community arts practice in Belfast.
"This new Centre provides a whole new lease of life to the area, boasting a vibrant new space, with full accessibility, where people can fully participate in and enjoy the arts."
South Belfast Westminster candidate Dr Alasdair McDonnell has also welcomed the reopening: "The restoration of this landmark community arts centre has transformed this 135-year-old listed building into an impressive state of the art facility to be enjoyed by local people and tourists alike.
"There is a week long festival to celebrate the official return of the Crescent Arts Centre.
"There is something for everyone and I would urge people across Belfast to come along and get involved in one of the creative events or free classes," he said.
(NS/BMcC)
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.
It also comprises the reconfiguration of existing rooms, including a café area on the ground floor of the refurbished building, the installation of a lift and other work to comply with Disability Discrimination Act requirements.
NI Arts Minister Nelson McCausland, (pictured) who officially opened the facility, said: "This investment is clear evidence that the Northern Ireland Executive, through my Department, believe that the arts and the creative industries sectors are a fundamental part of our cultural identity and contribute significantly to our economy and well-being.
"My Department has contributed £4.5m to the total funding package of £7.2m to this project which has produced such tangible results."
The Minister continued: "The Crescent Arts Centre is the first of three major Capital Arts Projects in Belfast to complete.
"The new Lyric Theatre is due for completion in March next year and work is well underway at the site of the MAC at St Anne's Square.
"The investment has not been restricted to Belfast. A number of projects in the North West have benefitted from substantial investment through the North West Challenge Fund."
Speaking at the opening, Rosemary Kelly, Chairman of the Arts Council, added: "At the Arts Council, we are proud to have invested in the Crescent Arts Centre, which can only be described as the birthplace of modern community arts practice in Belfast.
"This new Centre provides a whole new lease of life to the area, boasting a vibrant new space, with full accessibility, where people can fully participate in and enjoy the arts."
South Belfast Westminster candidate Dr Alasdair McDonnell has also welcomed the reopening: "The restoration of this landmark community arts centre has transformed this 135-year-old listed building into an impressive state of the art facility to be enjoyed by local people and tourists alike.
"There is a week long festival to celebrate the official return of the Crescent Arts Centre.
"There is something for everyone and I would urge people across Belfast to come along and get involved in one of the creative events or free classes," he said.
(NS/BMcC)
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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.
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.
20 September 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.
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.
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.
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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a mainly dry and bright morning cloud will increase as the wind strengthens from early afternoon with showers spreading east later. The strong afternoon wind will reach gale to severe gale force along the coasts. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Showers die back to western parts from the evening, leaving much of the night dry with clear spells. Showers spread east again towards morning. Gales ease somewhat, a windy night. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
