Hull's New Open-Air Ampitheatre On Disused Dry Dock
Pictures of the new facility have been revealed today.
Images of a new open-air ampitheatre that's being built in Hull ahead of 2017 have been released.
£700,000 is being invested in the new facility, named Stage @The Dock, in Hull’s Fruit Market.
Work is already underway on the 350-seater venue on the disused Dry Dock and it will be ready by Easter.
It will be the only new permanent venue created in the city before Hull’s year as the UK City of culture and will be used to stage arts performances and events.
It's being developed on the Central Dry Dock which has been disused for 20 years and forms part of wider regeneration of the Fruit Market area of the city.
It will be used during Freedom Festival in September and other city festivals and events.
Hull UK City of Culture 2017 Chief Executive Martin Green said:
“I am delighted to welcome Wykeland as a Major Corporate Partner and, as part of this, to see Hull 2017 playing a part in the creation of this wonderful new performance space.
“This is a fantastic example of cultural regeneration in action, demonstrating how the public and private sector can work together to create a really special venue that will be a key part of the legacy of 2017.”
Mikey Martins from The Freedom Festival Arts Trust, said:
“The initial plans for the Central Dry Dock were for it to become a high-quality area of public realm. However, Wykeland saw its further potential and, working with us and with the Hull UK City of Culture 2017 team, it soon became apparent we could go beyond that to create a new artistic space that can have real impact.
“The venue will be a test bed in the first year or so and, as a blank canvas space, we are looking for arts organisations – local and from further afield – to really get behind the venue, use the amazing location to their advantage and help us make it a success.
“We will also be exploring opportunities to broaden the programme of events beyond performance to respond to the versatility of the space, and will be working to develop some imaginative ideas on how it can be utilised throughout the year. It’s a hugely exciting prospect – we’re looking forward to working at a local, regional and national level to realise the venue’s full potential.”
Wykeland Managing Director Dominic Gibbons said:
“We believe passionately that physical, cultural and social regeneration go hand in hand and, together, create the conditions for truly sustainable development.
“The @TheDock development is transforming a long-neglected site into a thriving hub of business, innovation and creativity. Now this new venue will add culture and art to the mix. We believe it will be a major asset and opportunity for the city as a whole and make the Fruit Market a place where people love to live, work, visit and spend their leisure time.”