Performing Arts Centre Starts to Take Shape

Leicester's £51 million Performing Arts Centre, which is currently the biggest arts related building under construction in Europe, is taking shape at the heart of the city's new Cultural Quarter.

Much of the building's 1,192 tonnes of steelwork is in place, and for the first time it is possible to imagine how the impressive 24 metre high glass and louvre façade will eventually look.

Twelve months on, over half of the steel roof is in place. Each roof girder has been transported from Glasgow where they are constructed, and lifted into place using a giant crane. The stairwells are partially complete. And the concrete terraces are being laid ready for the seating in the large auditorium.

The building features two auditoria with seating for 350 and 750 people, with the stage placed at street level between them. People will be able to look in from the outside to see sets being prepared and other backstage activities.

There will also be other production workshop space, room for community and education work, rehearsal rooms, a cafe, bars and administrative offices in the building.

The Performing Arts Centre is a partnership project supported by Lib Dem led Leicester City Council, with Leicester Theatre Trust and Phoenix Arts as contributing partners. Funding towards the cost of the project has been secured from Arts Council England, European Regional Development Fund, East Midlands Development Agency and Leicestershire Economic Partnership.

The performing arts centre is due open to the public in 2008.