New photos give sneak preview of refurbished Attenborough Centre
New photos released on Tuesday (4 August) give a sneak preview of the refurbished Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts on campus.
The multi-million pound refurbishment of the Grade II* listed building has created a contemporary arts space.
Following a bar and café fit-out as well as installation of state-of-the-art lighting, sound and audio-visual equipment, a public performance programme will launch in spring 2016.
Before this final stage of refurbishment is complete, Sussex staff and students will be offered the chance to take a tour of the space. (Further details about these tours will be available in the coming weeks.)
Attenborough Centre refurbishment
Photos showing the refurbishment of the Attenborough Centre.
The Attenborough Centre will form a dynamic cultural hub on campus, creating a focus for the University and the wider community’s artistic endeavours. It will host conferences, workshops, residencies, exhibitions and screenings, alongside the public programme combining contemporary art, performance and digital technology.
The iconic building, designed by architect Sir Basil Spence and formerly known as the Gardner Arts Centre, has been closed since 2007.
It has now been transformed by award-winning architectural practice, R H Partnership Architects (RHP), into a modern, flexible environment for exhibitions and performance, and an important new teaching and research space for the University.
Phillip Naylor, a director at RHP’s Brighton studio, commented: “The work we’ve done on this beautiful listed building has helped transform it into a modern interdisciplinary arts hub fit for both public and performers.
“We’re not alone in looking forward to the re-opening of its doors, and to welcoming the masses to once again enjoy its unique charms.’
The space now hosts a state-of-the-art 350-seat auditorium, extensive gallery and display areas designed for art and audio visual installations, rehearsal studios and break-out creativity zones, - to be enjoyed by students, staff and the public.
The building takes its new title in tribute of the University’s former Chancellor, Lord (Richard) Attenborough, and his family.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Farthing, said: “Sussex has a long and proud history of nourishing artistic endeavour, and this refurbishment will go a considerable way to furthering this legacy.
“The Attenborough Centre is to become a creative hub for the University and the wider arts community both on a local and national level. It represents our deep commitment to investing in our campus and to providing an arts venue to be enjoyed by all.”