Aylesbury’s Queens Park Arts Centre, the largest independent arts centre in the UK, proudly announces the completion of a transformative five-month building project that significantly enhances its facilities.
The £500,000 Art & Dance Studio Wing Redevelopment project, which took just five months to complete, marks a monumental step forward for the centre, promising to further enrich the arts community, support local creatives and champion its continued commitment to provide affordable access to the arts for all.
The redevelopment has resulted in the expansion, modernisation and improved overall access to the art and dance studios which are now physically linked to the main building. This expansion also includes the addition of new pottery and kiln facilities—catering to the centre’s highly popular pottery department, as well as significant new storage solutions and an energy efficient heating plant.
‘This project is important not only for transforming a large section of the site, but for the long-term strategic development and security of Queens Park Arts Centre. I think it showcases what an independent arts organisation can achieve with vision, determination and hard work.’
Sarah Lewis, Chief Executive
Key improvements of the redevelopment include:
Furthering QPAC’s Commitment to Providing ‘Arts for All’
- The redevelopment has created a bright new indoor atrium-like space to connect the original dance and art studios, pottery kiln room and drying areas which were once separate buildings. In the past, visitors gained access to these areas through an external door, encountering different ground levels and partially covered outdoor waiting areas. The new architecturally designed space creates a seamless transition between the rooms and studios and includes an internal ramp for access to the art studio furthering QPAC’s commitment to inclusivity.
Upgraded Dance Studio
- Prior to the wing redevelopment, the QPAC dance studio was already one of the best in the region, however the further investment of the building project has seen a superb, major upgrade to the dance studio which now features a professional Harlequin sprung dance floor with wall-to-wall mirrors, and a brand-new warm-up area and changing rooms. It also includes a fully accessible toilet, reflecting the centre’s commitment to inclusivity.
SDSD – QPAC’s resident dance and stage development school, are one of the County’s longest running schools and their 300 pupils are already enjoying the benefits of the new facilities with classes returning after the summer break.
A Striking New External Aspect
- The redevelopment project has created a contemporary front and rear aspect to the west wing that juxtaposes with the original Edwardian school building, adding a modern touch to the historic building. The design splendidly connects the art centre’s forty-year history to the future vision for the community.
The project highlights the importance and community value of the arts centre, and advocates QPAC’s ethos ‘arts for all’ – its chief aim being to provide affordable access to a high-quality, comprehensive arts, crafts and performing arts programme, as well as a friendly welcoming and affordable coffee bar. Each year, QPAC welcomes over 50,000 visitors and hosts more than 3,000 workshops, courses, exhibitions and theatre events, serving as a cultural hub for the region.
The studio wing redevelopment was made possible through the generous support of William Harding’s Charity, who have said “We are very happy to support Queens Park Arts Centre with this project”, their generous contribution, along with additional community fundraising, were instrumental in bringing the vision to life.
The project was designed by architect Nick Wood and built by Chestnut Morgan Ltd, who have done a great job. Having championed QPAC for many years, we’d like to thank the William Harding’s Charity for their very generous contribution and support of this project. The building development team worked together closely to ensure the project was completed successfully, to a very high standard and importantly on time. The new facility is now in full operation.
Peter Cooper, Chair of Queens Park Arts Centre
As a charity with a huge breadth of programming on offer and a continued commitment to provide affordable access to the arts, Queens Park Arts Centre remains the creative and cultural hub of Aylesbury & Buckinghamshire, and a much-valued community resource.