Contractor on-site at Lyric Theatre

Arts and Culture Minister, Gregory Campbell announced that construction of the new Lyric Theatre starts today.

Welcoming the commencement of work, the minister said: “Detailed work has been completed on the design and costs of the new building and the contractor, Gilbert Ash is now on site to start construction.”

The minister continued: “My Department has committed over £9million towards a total project cost of £17.854 million to this project. This is much needed investment in our cultural infrastructure, investment which will also help alleviate some of the current pressures being felt in our construction industry.

“The creative industries as a whole, whether in theatre, film, craft or design, are an increasingly valued sector for our economy and add quality and enjoyment to our lives.”

Finance Minister, Nigel Dodds, whose Department managed the procurement of this contract, said the commencement of this project highlights the Executive’s continued commitment to deliver the plans and priorities in the Investment Strategy.

The Minister said: “The Executive continues to work with construction leaders to ensure that the funds available for investment in infrastructure are fully maximised. During this financial year alone, it is expected that Government will spend around £1.5billion on infrastructure projects.”

The Lyric is one of a number of DCAL’s strategic arts infrastructure projects and the Department has worked closely with the Theatre and the Arts Council to progress this important project, which is scheduled for completion in early 2011.

In conclusion, the DCAL minister said: “The Lyric is one of Northern Ireland’s most important cultural assets and I believe that the new theatre will provide a much valued facility for audiences and artists alike. The Lyric is also recognised for the important role it has played and will continue to play in the development of drama in Northern Ireland.”

Rosemary Kelly, Chairman of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland explained their role in the project, said: “The Arts Council of Northern Ireland undertook a review of drama in Northern Ireland last year which clearly pointed up the need to strengthen and build on the wonderful legacy and reputation of our only repertory theatre. The Council has allocated £2,250,000, from its National Lottery funds for the re-building of the Lyric, as state-of-the-art facility, from where they can continue to nurture, develop and support our considerable local theatrical talent.”

The Lyric Chairman, Mark Carruthers said: "This is a red letter day for the Lyric and we are delighted to have received the green-light to commence construction. It has taken over seven years to get to this point and there have been many challenges along the way, but we have remained steadfast in our vision and worked tirelessly to raise over £16.5million in an increasingly difficult economic climate. We still need a further £1million to pay for fit-out and equipment, so our fund-raising efforts must continue whilst the new building takes shape on our Ridgeway Street site. The Lyric is looking forward to taking centre stage again in Belfast in 2011 and to playing its part in contributing to a vibrant, healthy and tolerant society."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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