Quarterhouse
Folkestone, Kent
Alison Brooks Architects Ltd.
27 Feb 2009

Alison Brooks Architect's Quarterhouse Performing Arts and Business Centre in Folkestone will be officially opened by Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport Andy Burnham in a ceremony March 5 2009. The new building follows ABA's competition win of the 2005 national 2-stage competition.


Quarterhouse Performing Arts and Business Centre photos : Dennis Gilbert

The 1550sm building is the centrepiece of Folkestone's arts-led regeneration programme spearheaded by client The Creative Foundation. It includes a 220 seat, 500 standing multi-purpose auditorium for music, dance, theatre, film performances and conferences; ground floor foyer and exhibition space; first floor café/bar and a top floor business centre for start-ups in the creative industries.

Stirling Prize-winning architects ABA conceived the building as a beacon that lights up at night to express the animation of the creative life within. It is also an informal urban 'shopfront' building that completes the curved Georgian streetscape of Tontine Street. The fluted mesh cladding was inspired by both the maritime iconography of Folkestone's historic architecture and the translucent scallop shells that arrive in Folkestone's harbour every day.


Quarterhouse Performing Arts and Business Centre photos : Dennis Gilbert

Construction on Quarterhour began in summer 2007 with funding for the project coming from a £3.5M Kent County Council grant with a further £500,000 from the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA). The project team includes Akera Engineers, Charcoalblue Theatre Consultants, Atelier Ten, GPM Partnership and local contractor DJ Ellis.

To celebrate the opening there will be a performance by Jazz vocalist Ian Shaw and a specially commissioned dance piece by young people involved in the Shepway Find Your Talent Programme. Upcoming events include BBC Kent introducing; SWAY; Sellindge Music Festival Tournament and the Robert Mitchell Trio.


Quarterhouse Performing Arts and Business Centre photos : Dennis Gilbert

Quarterhouse Performing Arts and Business Centre Folkestone images / information from Alison Brooks Architects 270209



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Website : www.quarterhouse.co.uk