Southbank Centre has today (6 March) unveiled its proposals to transform the Festival Wing.

The proposals, by architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, include the refurbishment and renewal of the existing 1960s buildings and the creation of major new arts spaces including a new glass pavilion, a new central foyer and a new liner building. The proposals will enable Southbank Centre

to realise its vision to deliver a larger and more ambitious arts, educational and cultural programme across the site for all its visitors to enjoy.

The project will bring the performance spaces and galleries up to the standard of the transformed Royal Festival Hall, completed in 2007, and address current urgent problems including poor access, worn out services and the need to upgrade stages, galleries and back stage areas. In addition, Southbank Centre will build on its heritage from the Festival of Britain in 1951 and its successful festival programme to make the most of these buildings and transform this part of the site to create new cultural experiences for future generations.

-- Advertisement --

Alan Bishop, Chief Executive of Southbank Centre, said: "Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios have magnificently responded to our vision for this part of the site with a design that refurbishes and maximises the potential of the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and Hayward Gallery, while also creating major new glazed spaces that contrast with and complement the existing buildings. Having successfully delivered the wonderful transformation of the Royal Festival Hall in 2007, we are in an excellent position to deliver these plans and we are extremely grateful to the Arts CouncilEngland, which has

enabled us to embark on this project following the successful first stage application for £20 million of capital funding in March 2012."

(CD)