Lottery boost for arts centre (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Lottery boost for arts centre

CIRENCESTER'S Brewery Arts is set to become one the most important cultural centres in the UK.

The renowned facility is celebrating this week after securing a £1.5 million lottery grant.

The cash, which comes from the Arts Council, paves the way for a huge redevelopment of the centre, off Cricklade Street.

And now, not only will Brewery Arts benefit, Cirencester as a whole will undoubtedly be recognised as one of the country's most important centres for culture and the arts.

Cotswold District Council had already pledged £500,000 towards the scheme - which is expected to cost a total of £2.5 million - and it now looks likely building work will begin this December.

Brewery Arts spokesman Annie Gould said: "It's fantastic news for the whole of the community.

"We still need to raise around £200,000 but the total money raised now tops two and a quarter million and it looks likely work will start by 2006."

The project is set to transform the face of the arts and crafts centre.

New lifts and disabled access will be installed and the central courtyard glazed over to form a new exhibition area and performance space for artists.

Also the refurbished arts shop will be at street level to encourage visitors to come off the street, and the popular caf will be enlarged.

Trustees chairman Sam Wilkinson said: "This is a major achievement for Brewery Arts and all those who have supported us over the past couple of years.

"The project is within our grasp but we still have a way to go - we are working hard to secure the shortfall and are calling on everyone in the community to help us reach the final total so that we can start work at the end of the year."

Building work is expected to take around one year to complete, during which time the centre will keep running as much as possible.

Educational courses will decamp into parts of the building not directly affected by the work, and craft workers and the shop will be rehoused.

An outreach exhibition programme is also scheduled to take exhibitions out into the community while the gallery is being worked on.

Brewery Arts director Dan Scrivener said: "This is not just about bricks and mortar, it is about the fantastic arts services which we will be able to provide for Cirencester and the surrounding area.

"We also hope that our improved services will increase the funds available for the work we do out in the community with local schools, day care centres and all those to come to us."

The Arts Council is the national development agency for the arts in England, distributing public money from the Government and the National Lottery.

Spokesman Erica Steer said: "Brewery Arts is a definite leader for crafts in Gloucestershire and the South West region. This money will enable more people to visit the building, see exhibitions and take part in educational activities."