FIRST Minister Launches Arts Centre Construction

Tuesday, 07 September 2010 |

SCOTLAND’S First Minister, Alex Salmond, carried out the ground-breaking ceremony at the site of Inverclyde`s new art centre at Greenock waterfront as construction work gets underway.

First Minister Alex Salmond with schoolboy Adam Beck and Arts Guild chairman Elliott McKelvie

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Also marking the start of work at East India Harbour on Monday will be actress, comedienne and entertainer Dorothy Paul who is an active supporter of theatre and the arts.

Mr Salmond said: “I am honoured to be cutting the first sod of such an inspiring project that will not only provide a modern facility for the people of Inverclyde, but will also help drive forward regeneration throughout the region.

“This promises to be one of the finest theatres of its kind and through the youth theatre and education elements of the programme, offers young people an opportunity to build their self-esteem and skills.

“The Guild has an impressive track record of delivering high quality arts activities in Inverclyde. Thanks in part to considerable Scottish Government support, the stage is set for this stunning vision to be turned into reality.”

Greenock Arts Guild Chairman, Elliott McKelvie said: “We are delighted to have the First Minister launch the construction phase of our exciting project. Within 18 months, Inverclyde will have one of the best arts centres in the UK, offering a diverse range of performance as well as being a social hub at the heart of the community.”

The new arts centre will build on the impressive track record of Greenock Arts Guild which has been successfully delivering high quality arts in Inverclyde for 60 years.

The centre will house a 500-seat main auditorium together with a 130-seat studio theatre, rehearsal rooms and a riverside café and bar with outstanding views over the Clyde.

The total project cost is £9.3million. The project is jointly funded by Greenock Arts Guild and its project partners Creative Scotland, Inverclyde Council, Riverside Inverclyde and Big Lottery Fund.

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