Firstsite Topped Out
Geraint Williams, Manager of Colchester United, today (Tuesday, 1 May) joined local children and young people to celebrate the Topping Out of Colchester's new arts and cultural space (under construction) firstsite:newsite. The building has reached its highest point and work has now started on laying its golden roof, already a trademark.The Topping Out ceremony marks a key milestone in the building of the £16.5 million new cultural venue for Colchester, set to be a catalyst for cultural and social change across the East of England. It culminated in Mr Williams placing one of the first pieces of copper aluminium alloy on the 4,500m. sq. roof, which will be covered entirely in this innovative material, creating the impression of sheer gold. It is the first time this alloy has been used in construction in the UK.
A series of gold-themed celebrations at the site showcased some of firstsite's education and outreach work involving local children, young people and artists. Children from St John's Green Primary School started work on a sculpture made out of golden roof off-cuts. A group of 10 secondary school children who have been involved in after-school art sessions at firstsite joined architect Rafael Vinoly to lead Mr Williams on a site tour. Artist Richard Layzell, commissioned by firstsite to explore the new building's physical and social impact on the St. Botolph's area, gilded a hard hat with gold leaf for presentation to Mr Williams.
Manager of Colchester United, Geraint Wiliams, said: "Today is a cause for celebration - Colchester is on the up in more ways than one! Colchester United and the art gallery have long enjoyed a supportive relationship based on our common belief in the life-enriching power of cultural participation in its fullest sense. I am delighted to help celebrate this key moment with so many local children and young people, who represent the future of this shared belief and of our town."
Firstsite:newsite Director, Kath Wood said: "Colchester has a vision for its future and the aspirations of its younger generation. By 2012 Colchester will have a new community stadium and a thriving new arts space. Creative work with children and young people in our community is an essential part of firstsite's philosophy. It is wonderful to share this significant stage in the building's creation with our local friends and partners, together with many of the young people and artists who are intrinsic to the success of this extraordinary new cultural facility."
World-renowned architect Rafael Viñoly has created a state-of-the-art building, which meets both the needs of the gallery and its audiences. Integral to the building are retail, eating and social areas - which create a public venue and a leisure destination - alongside spaces for artists, exhibitions and education facilities, including a 200 seat auditorium.
Architect Rafael Viñoly said: "firstsite:newsite is a new type of social building with contemporary art at its heart. It is designed to be an innovative setting for art but also a wonderful place for people to come and enjoy their leisure time. We are very proud to celebrate this rite of passage for what will be one of the most original cultural centres in the UK."
firstsite:newsite will be the first new public building to be constructed in Colchester in a century. Its innovative, lightweight design respects and protects the archaeological heritage of the ancient site.
Peter Martin, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council, said: "Whilst it is the UK's oldest recorded town, Colchester is now one of the fastest growing communities in the UK. This ground-breaking new venue will not only drive the cultural and economic regeneration of the area, it will make the area an international visitor destination. Looking forward firstsite:newsite will spotlight the East of England's significant community of creative and entrepreneurial industries."
firstsite:newsite is one of only three projects nationally to have attracted £5 million funding from Arts Council England. This has leveraged a further £9 million in partnership funding.
Professor Stuart Timperley, Chair of Arts Council England East, said: "firstsite:newsite leads a new wave of cultural organisations which are part of a more confident, diverse and innovative arts sector in tune with and valued by the communities it serves." ENDS May 07