News

INVERCLYDE’S NEW ARTS CENTRE

GETS

ROYAL APPROVAL

It has just been announced that His Royal Highness, The Earl of Wessex, has accepted an invitation by Greenock Arts Guild to become its Royal Patron.

His Royal Highness is particularly interested in the wider regeneration of Inverclyde and the important role which the new arts centre will contribute towards it. He is well known for his passionate support of the arts throughout the UK.

At a recent meeting with HRH in Buckingham Palace, Guild Chairman Elliott McKelvie discussed the work of Riverside Inverclyde and emphasised how important the new facility will be to RI’s objectives by moving the district’s only arts centre out of Campbell Street and relocating within the waterfront regeneration area. The new theatre and arts centre will be much more central within the community and with its proximity to the river, it will undoubtedly be recognised well beyond Inverclyde as a flagship arts facility for the whole country.

The Earl of Wessex is patron of only a small number of carefully selected charities and the Guild is delighted to now be included as one of them. Amongst his other patronages is that of the Ocean Youth Trust, whose Scottish operation has just recently moved to Victoria Harbour. Elliott McKelvie said: “I mentioned how close the new arts centre will be to the OYT Scotland base and also pointed out that Inverclyde will host the Tall Ships Race in 2011. We hope that His Royal Highness might consider a visit to Inverclyde then and we shall be able to show him the progress that has been made during construction of the new building.”

It is hoped that His Royal Highness will carry out the official opening of the new building.

The new arts centre is a partnership project between the Guild, the Scottish Arts Council, Inverclyde Council and Riverside Inverclyde.

Bill Nicol, Chief Executive of Riverside Inverclyde said " I am aware that the Earl of Wessex has an interest in the regeneration of Inverclyde and I am delighted that he has agreed to be the Royal Patron of the new arts centre in Greenock and commend the Arts Guild in securing this appointment. Riverside Inverclyde has worked hard in support of the Greenock Arts Guild and was instrumental in relocating Ocean Youth Trust Scotland from Glasgow to Inverclyde. It’s good to see these two projects in which HRH is involved being developed at Victoria and East India Harbour in advance of the Tall Ships event in 2011. A new theatre will greatly improve the attraction of the waterfront area and secure the Greenock Arts Guild’s ambitious plans for the arts in the west of Scotland"

The centre will be adjacent to the historic Customhouse building and will enjoy wide aspects over the Clyde from the cafe/bar at the front, allowing for outside dining during the summer. The Guild will provide a 500-seat main auditorium on three levels, together with a 130-seat adaptable studio theatre, three large rehearsal/conference rooms and ancillary meeting space and cabaret area.

Commenting on the announcement, Provost Michael McCormick said “This puts the Royal Seal of Approval on the exciting new Arts Guild development on the waterfront. As a major financial backer for the scheme Inverclyde Council recognises how important the arts are to our communities and our cultural heritage. We know this will be a first class facility and having His Royal Highness on board will help us raise the profile of our arts programme in Inverclyde on a national and even international stage."

Construction of the new theatre is due to commence in April 2010 and it will open in late 2011. Whilst almost £9million has been raised thus far, fundraising will still continue throughout the construction period. Local people and businesses will be able to contribute in a variety of ways, such as buying and naming a seat, sponsoring rooms or even just buying a brick. Details will be announced early in the new year but anyone interested in finding out more should contact the Guild’s Business Development and Fundraising Manager, Andrew McCaffer on 723038.

_____________________________________________________

Its official, Greenock Arts Guild is the Bee’s Knees.

Greenock Arts Guild has been voted the Bee’s Knees 2007, beating strong competition to take the top accolade in the Greenock Chamber of Commerce annual awards, aimed at recognising and rewarding exceptional businesses operating in Inverclyde.

The Guild was announced the winner in the category- Best Business Serving the Community- at a special awards dinner held on Friday 8 June 2007 and picked up a cheque for £1,000 and a unique hand crafted Bee’s Knees trophy.

Chairman John Phillips commented, “Having just celebrated our 60th Anniversary we are delighted that our long service to the community has been recognised by being selected for a Bee’s Knees Award. The higher profile this prestigious award brings is particularly welcome at this time, as we continue to develop our exciting plans for a new theatre and arts centre for Inverclyde. It is a tribute to all our employees and volunteers past and present”. 

Bill Nicol, Chief Executive of Riverside Inverclyde (sponsors of the Bee's Knees's Awards), Brian Gavin-Arts Guild Theatre, Bill Mitchell - President of Greenock Chamber of Commerce, John Phillips-Arts Guild Theatre & Alf Young - Chairman, Riverside Inverclyde at the Greenock Chamber of Commerce 2007 Bee's Knees Award presentations.

Photograph courtesy of Greenock Telegraph