|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
New Junction: Building Begins |
|
 |
On 5th April 2004, The Junction's plans to refurbish, redevelop and expand its provision took a leap forward as builders SDC arrived on site.
The refurbishment of The Junction marks the first phase of a major redevelopment and expansion programme made possible by £5.4 million in lottery funding from Arts Council England.
The Junction will re-open as early as August 2004. This means that customers will enjoy a full programme of live music at the venue throughout autumn (traditionally the time of year when the high profile bands choose to tour).
New dedicated theatre/dance and education spaces will open at The Junction’s Clifton Road site in February 2005. A successful fundraising drive will permit the construction of two 24 hour band rehearsal rooms to follow shortly after.
A second smaller band/club performance space also features in The Junction’s development plans. This will fall into the fourth phase of redevelopment and requires The Junction to secure significant extra funding.
Asked if this represents the start of a new era for The Junction, Director Paul Bogen commented "We want to keep the best from the past and look forward to developing a new Junction for Cambridge and the region. The new Junction will have more of an emphasis on sourcing, supporting and investing in new artists from Cambridge and the region. We will still be presenting a programme of bands, clubs, theatre, dance and comedy from the UK and overseas, but we also want to assist in developing our own local and regional artists."
These new developments represent major progress towards achieving the original vision set out by the young Cambridge Venue Group whose hard work brought The Junction into being 14 years ago. The changes mean that, in addition to a programme of 900 performing arts events each year, The Junction will have the capacity to further its ambitions to create new work including interdisciplinary live performances mixing elements of live music, clubbing, drama, dance, new writing and new technology.
New flexible spaces will help realise this vision. Running in parallel with the refurbishment, builders have started work on a brand new highly flexible 220 capacity auditorium, particularly suited to innovative modern drama and dance productions. The 'courtyard' design of this space with upstairs balconies on 3 sides will produce a very intimate feel and allow performances to be presented in a wide variety of formats - in the round, side on, end on and cabaret-style. This will offer new artists an incredible number of options and sets the new auditorium apart from more traditional theatres in Cambridge. Attenders will also appreciate the generous foyer and all day cafe bar at the front of the new building.
During The Junction's refurbishment, the programme of drama, workshops and classes at sister venue Cambridge Drama Centre will continue as normal. The Junction box office will temporarily relocate to Cambridge Drama Centre.
Editor’s notes:
Builders SDC of Bedford
• SDC have considerable experience in refurbishment and fit-out and take on many ‘Design and Build’ projects in the industrial and commercial sector. Teamwork and a collaborative “can do” ethic has long been recognised as hallmarks of the SDC culture.
• Amongst SDC recent projects, you will find a Chinese Mission in Milton Keynes, a Research Centre for Aston Martin Lagonda, several schools, a leisure complex and an extension to Weetabix premises.
4 phase redevelopment
The first phase of The Junction’s redevelopment will involve the refurbishment and updating of existing Junction spaces and the construction of a brand new purpose-built theatre and dance auditorium. This will be followed by the construction of the education room in the second phase. Third and fourth phases, which will require significant extra fundraising, involve the construction of two 24 hour rehearsal rooms for bands and MCs/DJs, followed by the creation of a second 200 capacity auditorium for local bands and DJs.
Cambridge Venue Group
• The Junction was established as a result of local protest by young people about the lack of suitable entertainment in the city. They formed the Cambridge Venue Group (CVG) in the mid-1980s and lobbied for support from Cambridge City Council which allowed them to move forward the idea of a new venue.
• Cambridge Venue Group’s stated aims in 1990 were ‘to provide an acceptable venue for all the young people of Cambridge… somewhere for young people to meet and pursue their mutual cultural interests’. The venue would ‘bring outstanding arts and leisure activities to Cambridge and provide opportunities for people to experience a wide variety of performing arts both as audience and performers… enabling enterprising young people to develop new cultural businesses.’
In keeping with this original vision, the New Junction will include spaces where young artists can learn skills, rehearse and produce new work.
(ends)
For more press information, photography or interviews contact:
Gordon Glass on 01223 57 8000 or email gordon@junction.co.uk
|
|
|