Borough of Poole Invests £650,000 in Lighthouse Project

Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts has announced a major step forward to achieving the funding required towards a £5.5m project to update the building.

Borough of Poole has confirmed that it will provide £650,000 funding towards the Capital development planned to improve the facilities.

The project will support Lighthouse to become more sustainable and resilient through the improvement of some aspects of the existing building and its operating infrastructure. Areas to be updated include the Studio Theatre, backstage artists' accommodation, increased rehearsal and function room space and improvements to access and public foyers. Plans also include replacement and overhauling of engineering and electrical equipment - and a particular focus on sustainable initiatives to improve renewable energy and increase efficiency.

The Arts Council of England has already approved the first phase of a funding application for £4m of the total costs and the support of council will bring Lighthouse even closer to securing this significant funding from Government, which is determined on finding the remaining funding.

Chief Executive for Lighthouse, Elspeth McBain said, "It is twelve years since Lighthouse was refurbished and many millions of people have used the building and its unrivalled facilities and enjoyed its arts programme since then. This exciting project will ensure that the building continues to be well maintained and a cherished iconic public building for Poole. Some areas, such as the dressing rooms and engineering mechanisms were not refurbished in 2002, so this project enables us to address that as well as to introduce some improvements for audiences and for our artists. We are very grateful that Borough of Poole has demonstrated its ongoing support for Lighthouse, and as the freeholder of the building is continuing to invest in its upkeep."

Cllr Judy Butt, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Public Engagement and Participation, Borough of Poole, said: "I am delighted that the recommendations to Tuesday's Full Council meeting to, in real terms 'invest to save' were supported by a large majority of Poole's councillors. It is vital that we invest in Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts to future proof the building, which the council own, for the benefit of the whole community, regardless of age, disability or pocket. The improvements that this investment will provide will ensure an efficient building, with quality ICT, communications and substantially improved use of both interior and exterior space. This will provide long overdue disabled access for both visitors and performers alike, which will in further reduce running costs and boost efficiency savings. Once the £5.5m project, of which the Arts Council is funding £4m, is complete, the Lighthouse will be able to derive increased income, which will help ensure future financial sustainability."

Chief Executive for Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Dougie Scarfe said, "I am delighted that Borough of Poole has confirmed its funding support towards the Lighthouse Capital development project to improve facilities at Lighthouse. Home to the BSO since it opened in 1978, Lighthouse is where we plan, create, rehearse and perform our work, work which is then 'exported' right across the region, county and in the case of our broadcasts and recordings, the world. I am really pleased to be working so closely with Lighthouse and Borough of Poole to deliver these plans that will see our audiences, performers and the wider community in the building benefit from the improvements in a building that I am proud to have as the home for our world-class orchestra - the BSO."

Proposals and plans for the refurbishment will be shared publicly through the Lighthouse website and social media in the new year. Work is anticipated to commence during 2015 with completion in 2016, subject to additional funding.

As the landlord of the building, the council has approved a total of £650,000 as a contribution to secure £5.5m investment in Poole's art centre. £55,000 of this will be released to Lighthouse in the current financial year to support the development of the fully costed scheme for the Second Stage bid. The remainder of the council's funding will only be released if the bid to the Arts Council's national funding programme is successful and the final details of the scheme meet the requirements of the council.

Lighthouse's vision is to be the leading arts centre in the South West of England. Lighthouse is a creative organisation and an iconic building that plays an integral part in the delivery of Poole's arts strategy, as well as providing economic benefit and profile for the town. It is Poole's cultural centre of excellence for live performance, film and visual art - an inviting, welcoming and exciting place that is a vital part of its community. It is a well established venue with an excellent reputation for being a place to experience, enjoy and take part in a diverse high quality arts programme. The venue is passionate about providing opportunities for learning and participation across all ages, and specifically for children and young people. Its stages offer professional artists, as well as amateur enthusiasts and community groups a place to perform and create work. Lighthouse also has an important role as a receiving venue for national and sometimes international touring work and is a creative destination that entertains, stimulates and inspires the people of the South West, and in particular the communities of Poole, Bournemouth and Dorset.

Lighthouse is a charity (Poole Arts Trust - registered charity number 275961) and is only able to sustain its valuable work with the continued financial support from those who believe in what we do. Visit www.lighthousepoole.co.uk for more information. Lighthouse worked with See a Voice to develop and broaden the programme of arts available to deaf, deafened, hard of hearing, blind and partially sighted audiences through good quality captioned and audio described performances. Visit www.lighthousepoole.co.uk for more information.

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