This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Building Bridges in Easterhouse
12/03/2004
Construction work began in earnest today at the site of the new Greater Easterhouse Cultural Campus and future home of the National Theatre of Scotland.
'The Bridge', the £10 million community-based centre for arts and learning activities, is due to open in August 2005.
Culture Minister Frank McAveety said:
"It's terrific news for the Greater Easterhouse community and the wider arts community in Scotland that plans for the Cultural Campus are now coming to life.
"Members of the local community will have seen for themselves how hugely instrumental arts and culture can be in shaping the individual and sustaining, developing and regenerating communities and the community environment.
"This new development will add yet more arts, learning and cultural activities to the existing facility. It will increase opportunities to develop personal self-confidence, learn new life-skills such as communication and team-working, develop good health, and increase employability.
"It is also great news that we are a step closer to having a base for Scotland's newest arts organisation, the £7.5 million National Theatre of Scotland.
"Congratulations to the partners involved in the project. The creation of 'The Bridge' demonstrates excellent partnership working, coupled with determination and commitment to provide the very best arts and cultural facilities for the people of Greater Easterhouse and the people of Scotland."
'The Bridge', designed by Glasgow based Gareth Hoskins Architects, will incorporate a library, lifelong learning centre, a flexible auditorium, rehearsal studio, photography studio, multi-media studio, office suites, new swimming pool, water features, health suite and flexible exhibition and performance space.
Easterhouse Arts Factory will provide a 220 seat auditorium, rehearsal rooms for dance and drama, music, sound and video edit facilities, visual arts spaces and a café. Easterhouse Swimming Pool will be fully refurbished providing a leisure area, flumes and relaxation suite. Easterhouse Library will include digital learning suites. John Wheatley College will provide integrated training and courses within the centre.
Work started on February 2 and there will be a 16-month construction period followed by three months of client fit-out.