21/06/10 - Thomas Vale Complete mac

Paul Clarke, Divisional Director at Thomas Vale Construction comments: “We are extremely proud to have been a part of this innovative project and have thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone invloved.”

The original buildings, developed in the sixties, have been re-imagined as a completely integrated centre with new spaces embracing and enhancing existing, refurbished spaces. New spaces include a purpose designed gallery creating opportunities to maximise the commissioning of work by leading national and international visual artists, craft makers and performance artists.

The theatre has been stripped out allowing the team to replace plant and specialist equipment, replace seating - increasing capacity and ensure the space is flexible for an even wider range of events and activities. A brand new performing arts studio has also been equipped for rehearsal, theatre, dance making and performance with retractable seating for almost 150 people.

Dorothy Wilson, Chief Executive at mac said: “Over ten years in the making, the Building Project has created a dynamic and exciting arts centre that offers vastly improved spaces for audiences and artists alike, I can’t wait to show people around.”

With a thorough refurbishment of existing visual arts and performing arts studios there has also been a significant increase in studio spaces. In particular, the addition of a dedicated visual and audio media studio complete with capacity for live capture and transmission to and from any other space in the wifi enabled building; the arts centre has been brought right up to date. Accessibility has been a core mac value since it first opened its doors and physical accessibility was a real challenge. From the new access pedestrian bridge to passenger lift access throughout and a new central concourse connecting all parts of the building, the arts centre is finally fully accessible to everyone.