From
SeedaSeeda Gives £2.95 Million to Develop Two Canterbury Arts CentresThe South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) is to contribute £2.95 million to two major cultural projects in Canterbury, Kent. The Agency will be contributing £2 million to acquire a property next door to the existing Marlowe Theatre in order to create a larger venue and improve access, and £975,000 towards the restoration and transformation of The Canterbury Beaney into a cultural and heritage hub. Partners on the Marlowe Theatre project include Canterbury City Council and Kent County Council, and on the Canterbury Beaney project Canterbury City Council, Kent County Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The redevelopment of the existing Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury is an ambitious project to create a flagship venue. The theatre will be a high-profile, year-round facility with new programmes and events designed to attract local, national and international visitors. It will be a centre of excellence, providing significant training opportunities and adding to the city’s reputation as a centre of creativity, as well as transforming the area and creating a riverside park. The New Marlowe Theatre Development Trust has been set up with a view to raising the remaining £6 million in private donations toward the overall cost. HRH The Earl of Wessex is Royal Patron of the campaign, while other patrons include the Lord Lieutenant of Kent Allan Willett, CBE, Sir Robert Worcester and Hollywood actor
Orlando Bloom, who was brought up in Canterbury.
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| Why do they call him Hollywood actor - he is British actor, isn't he?) |
SEEDA’s Executive Director for Sustainable Prosperity, Oona Muirhead, said:
"The Marlowe Theatre is already very successful, contributing some £13 million to the local economy. The plans for an inspirational new building and café-culture experience, together with the community facilities at the Beaney, will transform that part of the city centre into a vibrant cultural quarter. Together, the projects will bring an additional £35 million income per annum into Canterbury and East Kent."
At the Canterbury Beaney there are plans for a new extension to the rear of the existing building to provide improved access, more space and increased capacity for interactive new displays and exhibitions, including unique collections currently hidden from public display.
The Leader of Canterbury City Council, Cllr John Gilbey, said: "SEEDA’s confidence in the city council’s vision is demonstrated through these grants, giving a clear message about the validity of these two key projects in the cultural regeneration of Canterbury and East Kent. This is an important piece of the jigsaw, completing the public sector funding package for the projects."
How wonderful, contributing to hometown culture and theatre!
Great news. Thanks for posting, libra!
Thanks for posting the news Libra.
I agree Nenya, its lovely to see Orlando involved in something close to his heart from his home.
The news of Orlando becoming patron did come out back in October, but was unfortunately lost in a deluge of reports on the car accident. I vaguely remember reading it but my mind was elsewhere at the time. I'm not sure if I ever posted it, I may have put the alert to one side and forgotten all about it.
Anyway, I'm pleased this has resurfaced again because we can all give it the attention it deserves.
There is another report on this at
YourCanterburyNews| QUOTE |
| Holland joins 12 other influential Patrons – including Orlando Bloom and Joanna Lumley – who are backing the New Marlowe fundraising campaign which aims to raise £6m of private donations towards the overall costs of around £25.5m. |
ETA: After a little googling I found the article that I read back on 18 October 2007 from
Canterbury City Council(Follow the links to read full articles.)
Thank you Jesse for digging up the original press release.
More news today from the BBC on the
Marlowe Theater Project...
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The £25.5m redevelopment of a theatre in Canterbury has been granted planning permission by the city council.
The development control committee approved the plans for a 1,200-seat auditorium at the Marlowe Theatre and a second 150-seat performance space.
Landscaping of the complex, on the site of the old theatre and The Friars Motor Company next door, was also approved.
Actor Orlando Bloom, who appeared at the theatre early on in his career, is a patron of the theatre.
Others include fellow actor Joanna Lumley and musician and TV presenter Jools Holland.
The majority of the funding is coming from Canterbury City Council, Kent County Council, and the South East England Development Agency.
But it is hoped £6m will be raised from private donates over the next three years.
After receiving permission on Tuesday night, the Marlowe is scheduled to close early next year and to reopen in early 2011. |
Great news! Thanks for the update, Jesse.