£7.2m Crescent Arts Centre restoration complete

Arts Minister Nelson McCausland today officially opened the newly refurbished Crescent Arts Centre at University Road in Belfast, following an 18 month restoration project costing £7.2million.

The project involved a refurbishment and restoration which has preserved the exterior façade of the Grade II listed building. The refurbished centre includes an extension which 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.

Speaking during his visit of the new premises Minister McCausland 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 £4.5million to the total funding package of £7.2million to this project which has produced such tangible results.”

For over 30 years the Crescent Arts Centre has become a focal point in Belfast for people from all walks of life to come a try something new. The Centre hosts a wide range of events, as well as classes in the visual and performance arts and community outreach programmes.

The Minister continued: “I was encouraged to learn that, during the construction period, the Crescent has continued to flourish at its temporary premises on the Ormeau Road – in fact it has increased attendance figures by 7%. I have no doubt that this will increase further in these wonderful new premises.”

The Minister continued by outlining progress on other major capital projects in the local arts sector: “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 OBE, Chairman of the Arts Council, said: “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.

“Investment in the Crescent goes further than supporting the local arts; it’s also about contributing to the cultural, social and economic life of our towns and cities, encouraging more visitors to Northern Ireland and providing the facilities required for the best international companies to bring their performances to venues.”

Notes to editors:

1. The official reopening ceremony kicks off a seven-day arts festival, entitled ‘Crescent Overture’, which will provide visitors with an opportunity to attend more than 100 free ‘taster’ classes and workshops designed to reveal their creative side and also to view the new surroundings and state-of-the-art facilities. A special series of lunchtime and evening performances from across the arts spectrum are also planned.
2. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office Tel (028) 90 515 045 or email DCAL Press Office . Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.