Work has begun on an ambitious project at the Kirkgate Centre in Cockermouth. With funding awarded through last year’s round of the UK shared prosperity fund, the centre now has a fully refurbished lift, improved lighting and soon (thanks to investment from this year’s round of the same fund) an accessible WC on the first floor.
“This marks the completion of the first stage in our investment programme” says general manager, Emma Heys. “The substantial award from Arts Council England to make improvements to our auditorium space, energy efficiency and accessibility has been generously match funded by UK Government and The Benny Walker Foundation. This has enabled us to upgrade all the lighting around the building, giving us modern, energy efficient lighting throughout. I particularly love the new spotlights in our downstairs bar! The flexibility that they provide gives us crisp and bright lighting for exhibitions, as well as subtle ‘mood’ lighting for more intimate events and parties.”
Operations manager, Katie Gentry, is equally pleased. “Replacing the outdated lighting around the centre was top of my improvements list! Not only is the lighting brighter and cleaner, but will bring our energy costs down and help us to reduce our carbon footprint”
“The lift looks much more inviting with an improved interior and new doors, and the replacement of some key mechanical elements in the plant room has made it much more reliable and efficient”
“We’re always working to improve accessibility at the Kirkgate, and the addition of a WC on the same floor as the auditorium space will make a huge difference for anyone with mobility issues, whether that is staff, volunteers, customers or artists using the centre.”
ENDS ….
NOTES TO EDITORS
Kirkgate is a charity based in Cockermouth, Cumbria. It operates an arts and heritage centre as well as working with towns and villages in West Cumbria to encourage a diverse programme of arts, culture and entertainment. Its vision is to ensure that creative talent is valued, developed and supported with opportunities for all to engage actively with, and enjoy, the arts, local heritage and community life.
The Kirkgate Centre brings the best cultural, theatrical and entertainment events to Cumbria. From the best feature and documentary films to live streaming of top London shows, to local talent, heritage exhibitions, music, theatre, comedy and more, there is something for everyone.
In the historic Kirkgate Quarter of the Gem Town of Cockermouth, sitting on the edge of the Lake District National Park, the Kirkgate Centre is the perfect venue for special occasions, conferences, meetings, courses, exhibitions or private film screenings.
Kirkgate manages Arts Out West which stages performances in community venues from Furness to the Solway, ranging from nationally-recognised theatre companies to international musicians with events that are as much a social occasion as a performance. It is a member of the National Rural Touring Forum supported by Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation.
Follow @kirkgatearts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
For more information:
Emma Heys 01900 829966
www.kirkgateartsandheritage.org.uk
The Kirkgate Centre, Kirkgate, Cockermouth, CA13 9PJ