FASHION king George Davies has launched a fundraising appeal for Liverpool's Bluecoat arts centre.

The Crosby-born "saviour of M& S" agreed to become president of the 1717 Appeal, which aims to raise £700,000 to complete restoration and extension of the city centre building, one of the oldest arts centres in the world.

Mr Davies founded fashion chain Next in the 1980s and created the George at Asda label in the 90s. His Marks and Spencer collection, Per Una, was launched in 2001.

Yesterday, he toured Bluecoat Chambers where building work is well under way. He promised to help make it a venue for everyone in Merseyside to enjoy.

"It is very special for me to support the appeal.

"As the oldest and most beautiful building in the city centre, Bluecoat has always had a special place in the heart of Liverpool.

"But after nearly 300 years, it needed refreshing.

More (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17026143%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26page=2%26headline=bluecoat%2dis%2don%2dcourse%2d for%2drevival%2d%2dby%2dgeorge-name_page.html)

THE architect behind the £9m redevelopment of Bluecoat Chambers will give a public talk abouthis plans this evening.

Hans van der Heijden from BIQ Architects in Rotterdam will speak as part of the Liverpool Architectural Society's series of talks on city regeneration.

He is responsible for massive building works currently talking place at the 300-year-old Bluecoat, one of the city's oldest buildings.

The talk will take place at the Renew Rooms, Wood Street, from 6pm and is followed by an open discussion.

THE multi-million pound redevelopment of Liverpool's Bluecoat arts centre is finally taking shape after builders conquered a series of problems with the 290-year-old site. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpoolecho/news/echonews/tm_headline=the-newcoat%26method=full%26objectid=18178751%26siteid =50061-name_page.html)

Artists and creative entrepreneurs are being lured to set up shop in one of Liverpool’s most historic buildings, reports Jessica Shaughnessy

CENTRAL Liverpool’s oldest building is poised to take its rightful place at the hub of the city’s vibrant arts scene.

The historic Bluecoat Arts Centre is on schedule to re-open at the end of the year after a major three-year restoration project costing £12.5m.

The driving forces behind the exciting revival of the 18th- century building say they are now searching for its “lifeblood”, in preparation for Liverpool’s much-anticipated reign as European Capital of Culture in 2008.

With the building almost complete, staff say all the Bluecoat needs is a blend of unique and charismatic artists, businesses and retailers, to take it storming into a new era.The centre, off School Lane, will provide a direct contrast to the “clone” chain stores that will sit on either side of it on Church Street and in Grosvenor’s Paradise Street shopping centre.

Around 600,000 visitors a year are expected to enjoy the Bluecoat’s new gallery spaces, restaurant, bar, and shops.

“When it opens, it’s going to be fantastic,” said newly-appointed business development manager Lynne Robertson.

“We have used this opportunity to turn the Bluecoat into something amazing.

“Before it closed in 2005, no-one really knew exactly what went on in here.

“We want to find the right people to drive our vision forward, to turn in into a hub of arts and creativity that the whole city knows about.

“We are working closely with the Liverpool Culture Company to ensure we will be right at the centre of the activities next year and the people working inside the centre will help us make the most of that.”

Funded by the Arts Council, the Northwest Development Agency, English Heritage and Liverpool city council, the refurbishment includes a newly-built wing that houses a concert room with a 200- seat capacity, viewing gallery and a double height ceiling.

It is hoped the room will help launch the Bluecoat as a renowned stage for new talent, but staff say they remain flexible about its other possible future uses – including hosting cultural debates, which they hosted this year, in St George’s Hall.

The restoration has attempted to retain as many of the centre’s original features as possible and a roof dome is still in place, as are the arches in the windows and some of the original ceiling beams – which contrast with the modern styling of new automatic glass sliding doors.

The mortar around the brickwork has also been raked out and restored.

The centre will feature a new bar and restaurant overlooking an “oasis”, which is expected to be a popular retreat as the only green area in the vicinity.

It will include four new galleries, six retail units, 12 offices and 14 artists’ studios.

These are the spaces Ms Robertson is now looking to fill.

“It’s vital that we get the right sort of tenants,” she said. “We are open to suggestions about the type of work that they do.

“We just want it to be vibrant, fun and interesting with a mix of new and established businesses who are willing to get involved in promoting the centre and participate in open studio days we will hold here.”

Though city centre rates are at a premium, the Bluecoat will offer an affordable price to the businesses and artists whose work has the right “feel”.

As part of a unique service, Ms Robertson will be on hand to guide the centre’s new businesses and talent to ensure they thrive.

She will use her skills developed in the last two years working at Train 2000, a social enterprise helping women on Merseyside become self-employed, providing business planning support, advice and training.

“We want it to have a community feel with young people just starting out and more experienced entrepreneurs who are willing to offer advice, and I will help and guide where I can,” she said.

“What we can offer is a creative environment more productive then just working at home.

“The Bluecoat is going to have a real buzz about it and on top of all that we can offer a truly unique heritage and building.

“Thousands of extra people will be coming to the city and the Bluecoat’s history will be very attractive.

“We expect a lot of traffic. The building is much more accessible and it is a fantastic opportunity for people to showcase their work.”

Bluecoat Arts Centre chief executive Alastair Upton said: “Tenants are the lifeblood of the Bluecoat and those occupying the building once we re-open will contribute hugely to re-establishing the Bluecoat as a cultural hub where people make, sell, enjoy and discuss art.”

IF YOU are interested in becoming a tenant of the Bluecoat Arts Centre, call Lynne Robertson on 0151 7025321 or email lynne@bluecoatartscentre.com

jessicashaughnessy (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpooldailypost/news/regionalnews/tm_headline=to-open-for-business%26method=full%26objectid=19228250%26sitei d=50061-name_page.html)

THE team tasked with reviving the Bluecoat have faced a series of unique challenges and discoveries during the site’s restoration.

The painstaking operation has included restoring a stone Liver Bird, believed to be the oldest of its kind in the city, on one of the building’s wings.

A forgotten air-raid shelter from the second world war was unearthed and parts of the building were completely dismantled and rebuilt exactly as they were before.

Site manager Colin Leek, of construction agents Kier North West, said: “The Liver Bird was damaged, its legs had been broken, so we had it taken down and restored to as good as new.

“It’s a really important and historic part of the building, so it was vital to get it just right.

“The first problem we encountered was right at the start of the project when we began to uncover the structure of the building and realised parts of the facade were unsafe.

“We immediately had to put up a retaining system before we could begin any of the works.”

The next problem was when an air raid shelter was uncovered.

Mr Leek continued: “That was very inconvenient. We knew there was one shelter, but when we began the excavation, we discovered another.

“We had to wait until it was removed before we could continue.

“Then the old bin store was discovered to be unstable. Because it was so historic, we had to take it down brick by brick and rebuild it exactly how it was before.”

The contractors could not restore an old air raid siren found in the loft of the building so it had to be removed.

But they were able to breathe new life into the bell tower on the top of the building, which is believed to have been constructed in the early 1800s.

Mr Leek added: “On top of all this, there has been a lot of work put into preserving the part of the building that sculptor Tyson Smith used as his studios.

“We had to use this part of the site for our entrance, so it was dismantled and placed in storage. When the project is completed, it will be reinstated.

“Work on historic buildings like this is always unique. You have to expect the unexpected. Being from Liverpool, I have a lot of personal pride in this project, as do a lot of the lads who are working on it. It’s one of the oldest buildings in the city centre and one of its kind.”

Source (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpooldailypost/news/regionalnews/tm_headline=builders-find-a-treasure%2Dtrove-of-city-artefacts%26method=full%26objectid=19228256%26site id=50061-name_page.html)....

Thanks, Kev! We need pics. Who's up for the task? :unibrow:

Thanks, Kev! We need pics. Who's up for the task? :unibrow:

In all the time I've been to the Bluecoat Chambers, I've never once actually noticed the Bell Tower on the top.

You see, it'll be like the yoliverpool paperazzi tomorrow outside the Bluecoat snapping away!!

Have u seen the front recently? Its near impossible to get any views.

Have u seen the front recently? Its near impossible to get any views.

Oh, aye, I was busy snapping away on Church Street a couple of weeks ago but did not think to walk down School Lane, partly because I knew the light would not have been in the right direction.

Here's an old pic from English Heritage (http://viewfinder.english-heritage.org.uk/search/reference.asp?index=133&imageUID=73155&main_query=&theme=&period=&county=MERSEYSIDE&district=LIVERPOOL&place_name=):

http://viewfinder.english-heritage.org.uk/gallery/450/aa9/aa98_04370.jpg

LIVERPOOL’S oldest building was last night one step closer to becoming a centrepiece of Capital of Culture Year.

The team behind the £12.5m rejuven-ation of the famous Bluecoat building celebrated the project’s halfway mark with a topping-out ceremony and the launch of its new branding. more (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2007/07/12/the-bluecoat-on-course-to-be-centrepiece-for-culture-year-64375-19442422/)

THE dramatic redevelopment of Liverpool’s Bluecoat is being heralded by design experts, as the iconic city gallery announced it will reopen to the public in March. Read (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2007/12/31/design-experts-salute-city-arts-centre-s-resurrection-64375-20298804/)

12th Feb 2008:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2163/2260378107_8d7e6f29a3_o.jpg (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2163/2260378107_8d7e6f29a3_o.jpg)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2094/2260378105_b941e7f373_o.jpg (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2094/2260378105_b941e7f373_o.jpg)

To the rear:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2350/2260568181_c9b0ae06af_b.jpg (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2350/2260568181_c9b0ae06af_b.jpg)

I installed new gas lights in there once.

This week Culture Reporter Catherine Jones recommends:

Mar 10 2008 by Catherine Jones, Liverpool Echo

IT’S been under scaffolding, it’s been under wraps, but finally the Bluecoat arts centre is set to reopen its doors this weekend after a £12.5m restoration.

A host of free events take place on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6pm each day, including performances by Sense of Sound, Elle S’appelle and Philip Jack.

Author Jeanette Winterson appears on Saturday evening, with tickets costing £7/£5 on 0151-702 5324.


:PDT11 can't wait to see what they've done to it.

Its beautiful, looks brand new :034::handclap:

A picture speaks a 1000 words !!

Going on preview tour tomorrow so will report back. Some say it's lost a load of character - all those wonky floors and hidden parts there used to be - but we shall see.

http://www.bwpics.co.uk/gallery/liverpoolpics/bluecoat.jpg

With the welcome recent re-opening of the Bluecoat, here's a photo of it in 1984, showing painter Rob Ball (and his dog Tramp),one of the regular exhibitors on the railings outside. Next to him was Tony Flanagan's spot and I used to sell my photographs on the end. Two much-missed friends.
Will the railing artists be permitted to return to the shiny new Bluecoat?

http://www.bwpics.co.uk/gallery/oldpics/bluecoat.jpg

http://www.bwpics.co.uk/gallery/oldpics/bluecoatold.jpg

Bluecoat Chambers. March 08.

Boss pic Lindylou:handclap:

10,000 turnout as Bluecoat reopens
Mar 17 2008

AN ESTIMATED 10,000 people attended a weekend-long celebration to mark the reopening of Liverpool’s Bluecoat centre for contemporary art after a £12.5m refit.

Culture Secretary Andy Burnham joined artists and civic leaders for the event, which began with 300 people assembling in the courtyard to cut a giant ribbon.

This was followed by taster activities and free events over the two-day celebration, including live music and appearances by leading literary figures Jeanette Winterson and Tom Paulin.

Also present were Liverpool Culture Company’s creative director Phil Redmond, Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley, and the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Paul Clark.

It is the first time the centre has been open to the public since 2005.

Mr Burnham said: “The reopening of the Bluecoat is a defining moment in Liverpool’s year as Capital of Culture.

“There is no place I know that has this breadth of creative activity. I’m very pleased that one of the material legacies of 2008 will be an organisation that recognises the importance of creativity in everyone’s lives.”

Bluecoat’s chief executive Alastair Upton said some visitors had travelled from as far as the US to be present for the weekend’s opening events.

He said: “We had an amazing response to the call-out for a people’s opening. There were no celebrities, the idea was that everyone should have a part in the opening ceremony.

“The queue started forming outside the gates from 9am on Saturday, and the first 300 that we could safely fit into the courtyard cut the ribbon, with many keeping a piece of it as a memento.”

He added: “The public response has been phenomenal. People were saying how much they liked the building, that they had missed it and how glad they were that it is open again.

“The overwhelming response has been an emotional one. There is a very strong sense of ownership of the building, and people went there to take it back.”

Among the attractions of the opening weekend were the centre’s first exhibition Now Then, featuring artists such as Yoko Ono. There is also a new 85-seat restaurant-bar, Upstairs at the Bluecoat, as well as coffee, tea, cake and sandwiches from Espresso at the Bluecoat.

Formerly a school, the Grade I listed building dates back to 1717. It received a £3.6m grant from Arts Council England’s capital programme, almost £3m from the European Objective One programme, just over £2m from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and an investment of £2.5m from the North West Development Agency.

At the heart of the refurbishment was the development of a wing that was previously unused and once destroyed by fire in World War II.

The new wing comprises four new galleries and a 200-seat performance space, 13 new artist studios and 13 creative industry studios, six retail shops, the espresso and restaurant-bar.

alanwestonend

Here is a link to a video of the opening and a talk by the architect.

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=763&storycode=3108574&c=2&encCode=00000000014809d6

and here is a article and some nice picture of the new building.

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=3108846

http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/images/OLDCOURTYARD%20COLLAGE_tcm23-921308.jpg (http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/images/OLDCOURTYARD%20COLLAGE_tcm23-921308.jpg)

Click (http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/newsfeatures/2008/03/bluecoat_centresneak_preview.html)

28th March 2007

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/2368724305_a140ab8ec0_o.gif (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/2368724305_a140ab8ec0_o.gif)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2314/2369557526_b4563243f9_o.gif (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2314/2369557526_b4563243f9_o.gif)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2198/2385942622_d43160c7e8_o.jpg
Paul Morrisons mural in Bluecoat Chambers

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/2385108819_8368373c83_o.jpg
And the other half of it