This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Building Bridges in Easterhouse
12/03/2004
Construction work began in earnest today at the site of
the new Greater Easterhouse Cultural Campus and future home
of the National Theatre of Scotland.
'The Bridge', the £10 million community-based centre for
arts and learning activities, is due to open in August
2005.
Culture Minister Frank McAveety said:
"It's terrific news for the Greater Easterhouse
community and the wider arts community in Scotland that
plans for the Cultural Campus are now coming to life.
"Members of the local community will have seen for
themselves how hugely instrumental arts and culture can be
in shaping the individual and sustaining, developing and
regenerating communities and the community environment.
"This new development will add yet more arts, learning
and cultural activities to the existing facility. It will
increase opportunities to develop personal self-confidence,
learn new life-skills such as communication and
team-working, develop good health, and increase
employability.
"It is also great news that we are a step closer to
having a base for Scotland's newest arts organisation, the
£7.5 million National Theatre of Scotland.
"Congratulations to the partners involved in the
project. The creation of 'The Bridge' demonstrates
excellent partnership working, coupled with determination
and commitment to provide the very best arts and cultural
facilities for the people of Greater Easterhouse and the
people of Scotland."
'The Bridge', designed by Glasgow based Gareth Hoskins
Architects, will incorporate a library, lifelong learning
centre, a flexible auditorium, rehearsal studio,
photography studio, multi-media studio, office suites, new
swimming pool, water features, health suite and flexible
exhibition and performance space.
Easterhouse Arts Factory will provide a 220 seat
auditorium, rehearsal rooms for dance and drama, music,
sound and video edit facilities, visual arts spaces and a
café. Easterhouse Swimming Pool will be fully refurbished
providing a leisure area, flumes and relaxation suite.
Easterhouse Library will include digital learning suites.
John Wheatley College will provide integrated training and
courses within the centre.
Work started on February 2 and there will be a 16-month
construction period followed by three months of client
fit-out.