Partners: Halton Borough Council, European Development Fund, Northwest, John Miller Partners Redevelopment Fund, Arts Council England
Aim: The Brindley will provide excellent facilities and opportunities for engaging with and access to performances, exhibitions and events which entertain, educate and inspire.
Project Description:
I (along with many colleagues and partners) were fortunate to have the opportunity to develop the build and launch The Brindley Arts Centre; a multi-purpose arts facility with a 600 capacity Theatre, studio/cinema, gallery space and a range of education facilities.
This was a major project that developed from several years of grassroots community arts work. Following its launch, I worked as the Brindley’s director for music and community engagement, developing the infrastructure for the venue locally, regionally and nationally.
As a new venue, the Brindley was a major audience development undertaking. During my time at the Brindley, I created and delivered many creative development projects ranging from major regional initiatives across Merseyside and Cheshire (Capital of Culture and Cultural Olympiad Projects) to local, community centered activities. Whilst the Brindley is probably my most notable achievement in Halton, it is these creative projects that made it a venue I am most proud of.
The Brindley is and is the main centre for arts and entertainment for the borough of Halton which covers the twin towns of Runcorn and Widnes on either side of the River Mersey.
The Brindley opened in September 2004 with the following mission:
‘The Brindley will provide excellent facilities and opportunities for engaging with and access to performances, exhibitions and events which entertain, educate and inspire’.
The building was designed by the brilliant architect Richard Brierley of John Miller Partners and the design won a Royal Institute of British Architects Architectural Award in 2004.Awards
During my time at the Brindley, the venue won 9 major awards. These are:
- Award for Technical Excellence in Architectural Technology 2008
Best Performance Venue – Mersey Partnership Tourism Awards 2008- Best Arts Project in the UK – National Lottery Awards 2007
- ADAPT ‘Excellence In Access’ Award – Access for Disabled People to Arts Premises Today 2005
- Centre Vision Civic Trust Award 2005
- Royal Institute of British Architects Architectural Award 2004
- Kitemark Award for Disability Access & Friendliness 2013 (The Ella Performance Group)
