Colchester: Competition to design new visual arts facility

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is running a competition, open to designers and architects, to design and construct the new building, to be completed in three years' time.

The new building, part of the regeneration of St Botolph's, will go on the present site of the bus station and is intended to be a landmark with regional, national and international significance.

It will also be the new home of modern art in Colchester, with the art currently displayed in the Minories moved there.

Theresa Higgins, Colchester Council portfolio holder for work and leisure, said: "The Minories is a listed building so is not suitable for larger or heavier pieces of modern art like Damien Hirst's cow.

"The new building will have reinforced flooring and better access.

"It is hoped the Minories will be incorporated into the cultural experience of the area and could be used to display other art works or even Colchester's hidden artifacts."

Ken Jones,the council portfolio holder for employment, economic development, leisure and tourism said: "We are trying to ensure that the Minories building stays open as an art gallery and we are working together with the owners on this."

Director of Firstsite, the Colchester and District Visual Arts Trust, Kath Wood, said: "We must look ahead to create a flagship architectural project that can capitalise on firstsite's strengths to create a visitor experience that works socially, economically and culturally."

Published Wednesday, June 25, 2003

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