Inspired by Venice, created by Kirkintilloch

28 Jul 2006

Designs for a £4.5million arts and cultural centre in Kirkintilloch are set to bring a touch of Italy to the town. The designs for the centre, one of the flagship projects in Kirkintilloch’s Initiative (KI) regeneration programme, are to be unveiled this month(?)

New design options have recently been prepared following discussions with the Scottish Arts Council to secure additional funding. The drawings received full approval earlier this year at a special preview evening organised by KI for leading representatives from East Dunbartonshire’s arts community.

The arts and cultural centre will be the centrepiece of an attractive development of Southbank which aims to bring first class arts facilities to the area. This will include a 300-seat theatre, exhibition space, bar and kitchen, dance facility, recording studio, committee rooms and dressing rooms.

Award-winning Glasgow firm, Page and Park, are the company behind the imaginative design. The inspiration for the eye-catching layout of the main auditorium came from a painting of a beautiful theatre stage setting in the romantic Italian city of Venice.

The new centre will combine classic and contemporary design, creating a striking piece of architecture in the Southbank area. The centre will also help to revive the area and increase the level of activity, tourism and use of the canal, appealing to people of all ages.

Throughout the design process, Page and Park held extensive consultations with key representatives of the various partners involved including, KI, Scottish Arts Council, and local arts organisations, who helped to influence the final design. David Page, partner in Page and Park Architects, said they had to face a number of responsibilities and challenges when creating the design for the centre. He commented:

“Designing this project was a particularly interesting process, and one that we are very proud of. A development like this has a major impact on the surrounding area so it is important to take this into account and ensure that any future developments around the basin of the canal, will compliment the centre. KI’s vision was to consider the area as part of a growing landscape rather than as an isolated development – this is something that was vital to the design.”

He continued: “Its great to see an area like this being completely revived, and know that we have been part of that process. This new centre will be a first class development for Kirkintilloch.”

Project Champion, for the arts centre, Joan Riddell is looking forward to work starting on the site:

“The design of the centre is incredible and once opened, will really help bring new life to the Southbank area. The range of facilities on offer will benefit both residents and visitors of all ages. Not only will the centre play host to a wide range of theatrical, dance, and musical events, it will also be an ideal venue for wedding ceremonies and receptions, with its idyllic setting and central location in the town. Everyone involved has worked really hard to bring this project together and I look forward to watching it progress even further.”

KI are currently working on a further submission to the Scottish Arts Council Lottery Fund, in order to secure the £1.7M grant for the centre. This work is progressing well and it is hoped that a decision will be made later on in the year.