Phase3 at The Point
- officially
opened
12th November 2009
The Point's new
purpose-built studio space was officially opened on Thursday 12th
November by internationally acclaimed choreographer Akram Khan.
The opening evening included a specially choreographed outside
performance - Winterlumen, which used the new building as a back
drop and was performed to 300 invited guests. Akram Khan then gave
a special preview performance of his new solo show Gnosis, before
officially opening the new studio space at a private reception.
Akram Khan, Cheryl
Butler, Gregory Nash on opening night
The opening celebration continued with a public performance of
Gnosis on Friday 13th November to a sell
out audience.
On Saturday 14th November The Point welcomed hundreds of people
through its doors to take part in a host of free activities
including puppetry workshops from Point associate company The River
People, family art workshops, drumming workshops and dance classes
to name a few.
Measuring 375m2 phase3 will provide
much-needed extra space for The Point’s busy programme of
performances and residences and for the many local companies and
societies that regularly use the building. Uniquely it will feature
residential accommodation for up to eight artists.
Our Point Squarefooters wall was officially unveiled during our
opening celebrations but its not too late to get involved with our
phase3 project by becoming a Squarefooter and sponsoring a square foot of
floor in the new studio - the money raised will go towards our
continued work with young people, the community and artists and
companies.
some pictures during the development:
Choreographer and dancer
Akram Khan who opened phase3 on 12th November.
Brickwork is in place and
work begins on the roof of the new building.
Artist's
Impression exterior shot
Artist's impression
interior shot
phase3 provides greatly enhanced
arts facilities for the people of Eastleigh including
a new rehearsal and informal performance
space
a 50 seat studio theatre
new changing rooms for the dance
studio
a new social gathering space in
wood-floored, naturally lit atrium space leading onto the
park
a new lift and improved wheelchair
access throughout the building
enhanced catering and hospitality space
and a more spacious foyer
upgraded meeting rooms
an extended outdoor stage and
new landscaping
Interactivity between artists and people has
been the key to The Point’s success in its first decade. As it
begins its second, phase3 presents an opportunity to bring the
community to the very heart of the creative process and to provide
inspiring state of the art facilities for local people, young
actors and dancers, school children and professional performers in
the delightful setting of The Point and the adjacent park.
Architects Chaplin, Farrant, Wiltshire:
www.cfw-architects.com