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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
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