14 March 2007
Eastbourne’s New Cultural Centre will get a careful inspection from the International Architect who designed it, as the final part of the roof is constructed. Award winning architect Rick Mather will be guest of honour at the “topping out” ceremony which will mark the building reaching its highest point in the main concrete structure.
Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, Councillor Ian Lucas says, “We are delighted to have reached this milestone in the construction of this fantastic building which will benefit both the people of Eastbourne and its visitors. We look forward to welcoming people to the Cultural Centre in 2008.”
International Award Winning Architect, Rick Mather says, “I am very excited to see the Cultural Centre at this stage and with completion in sight. The building has stunning views and by adjoining the Congress Theatre and the western end of the square, the gallery makes a strong but sympathetic contribution to Devonshire Park. The new Towner Gallery will finally have the room and facilities to make the most of its collection. I am very pleased with how the clear organisation of the building as both a gallery and a cultural centre for busy everyday use, is being revealed as work progresses. It will be a building which all aspects of the local community as well as visitors to the town shall come to experience and enjoy.”
The building will provide a new home for the nationally important Towner Art Collection with international standard galleries on the first and second floor for the permanent collection and touring exhibitions.
The centre features a purpose built accessible art store for the Towner Art Collection, an art research studio, three community and education rooms, two conference exhibition halls, a second floor café with terrace with Downland views and a gallery gift shop.
When the construction work is complete at the end of this year, the new environment will have to stabilise before the artworks can move into their new home, therefore the new centre will open to the public in spring 2008.
The new £8.6 million Cultural Centre is funded by a unique partnership comprising the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), Arts Council England, The Heritage Lottery Fund, the New Towner Trust and Eastbourne Borough Council.
