Newly refurbished Waterside Theatre

The newly refurbished Waterside Theatre on the Glendermott Road was officially opened on 17th September 2009 by the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, Minister Nelson McCausland.

The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Arts Council Northern Ireland and Local Strategy Partnership funded the project, which cost £1.2 million. Ilex - the North West Cultural Challenge fund was launched as part of the Ilex Regeneration Strategy for the Derry City Council Area.

The theatre underwent a major extension including a new pavilion, rehearsal room, new entrance and box office, new foyer, new café-bar, as well as exhibition space.  The theatre also commissioned a piece of public art, 30 stoneware ceramic buttons by Gail Mahon ‘Fastened faces & Button Beauties' on show, depicting the Waterside Theatre's rich history. Housed within an expertly converted old factory, the theatre provides a variety of quality arts and entertainment throughout the year such as drama, dance, comedy, live music and children's theatre. The theatre itself has a capacity of 372 as well as a full-screen cinema. The expansion was essential to meet the demands placed on the theatre and the sheer number of people coming through its doors.

All did not go exactly to plan for the theatre's build, with the main contractor going into liquidation, impacting heavily on the Autumn 2008 programme. Iain Barr, General Manager states "After the well-documented delays in our building work, we're delighted to finally open the doors and welcome you to the ‘new' Waterside Theatre. I am sure you will be impressed with the new facilities and to celebrate we have assembled one of our busiest and most varied programmes of events to date! I would like to thank all involved who worked tirelessly to make this happen"

Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, comments, "As funder and supporter of the Waterside Theatre for many years we are delighted to see this project coming to fruition. The refurbishment of the building will make a major contribution to the delivery of the arts in the area, making this venue an invaluable part of the cultural infrastructure in Northern Ireland."

Speaking about this exciting new development which was made possible with funding provided by Derry City Council's Local Strategy Partnership under the EU PEACE 11 Extension, Catherine Cooke, Co-Chair said:
"The revamped and extended facilities have provided for new organisational, social, recreational and leisure space for a wide range of interests whilst promoting opportunities for cross community social interaction. The Local Strategy Partnership is pleased to have been a partner in the establishment of the new facilities and looks forward to the continued array of entertainment and the contribution being made to the economic, social and cultural identity of the area".

Tags:
Refurbishment, Cafe Bravo