The space will include a gallery and learning areas
|
The final go-ahead for a �16m landmark art gallery for the East of England has been given by the Government Office for the East of England (Go-East).
The site of the Firstsite:newsite centre in Colchester, Essex, has been cleared this week and work will soon start on the building.
The scheme had been approved by Colchester Borough Council, but required Go-East's final consent.
The project is backed by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).
The project is to be a major centre for contemporary arts and culture for Colchester and the East of England.
The scheme is being overseen by a partnership including EEDA, Arts Council England East, Colchester Borough Council, Essex County Council, Firstsite and the University of Essex.
David Marlow, chief executive of EEDA, said: "Clearing this last hurdle means that work can now begin to create this fantastic new facility.
"Firstsite:newsite will give a tremendous boost to the local economy by helping to create new jobs, new businesses and new tourism. It will also act as a catalyst for regeneration in the heart of Colchester and beyond."
The 3000sq m building will offer a range of facilities including:
High quality presentation spaces to show the full range of contemporary art forms
Exhibition space for the University of Essex collection of Latin American art
A flexible, creative education centre for large and small groups of all ages
A resource centre/seminar room with library and IT research facilities
One-Minute World News
News services
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
