York May Get a New Arts Centre
Culture bosses are looking into setting up a new arts centre in York - and it could be based at the Bonding Warehouse.
City of York Council has revealed that a feasibility study has been commissioned to look into demand for a new “media arts facility” in the city, as well as options for potential venues.
A spokeswoman said the authority and partners in the creative and cultural sector, including SCY, were working together on the project.
“The findings of the study are expected by the end of the month,” she said.
The Press has been told that the Bonding Warehouse is one of a number of sites being looked at as part of the feasibility study, but no decisions have yet been made.
The historic riverside building near Skeldergate Bridge was built in 1875 and used to operate as a pub, restaurant and music venue, but has lain empty and boarded up since it was inundated during the floods of November 2000.
Chartered surveyors appointed to sell the property, Leeds-based Eddisons, revealed in the autumn that they had received several bids, and were working with a preferred bidder.
But a spokesman said today: “The property is now back on the market and is being actively re marketed.”
Coun Sonja Crisp, the council’s cabinet member for culture issues, said today that York was intent on making its future as ‘compelling and internationally recognised as its past.’ She said: “Creative media arts are the fastest growing sector in York and the city is expanding its creative business base, investing in media arts facilities and growing public engagement.
“By working with partners to explore the potential for a new media arts facility in the city, we hope to further support York’s internationally renowned creative media arts businesses and encourage new ones to start up, as well as exploring whether this type of project could be attractive for commercial investment.
“However, it’s important to stress that this work is at an early stage and no sites have been confirmed. We will await the outcome of the feasibility study before making any decisions.”
The council spokeswoman added that creative arts had been identified as a key sector for growth in York’s Economic Strategy for 2011-2015.
Source: The Press
