Quarterhouse Performing Arts and Business Centre in Folkestone

Secretary of State for Cultura Media and Sport Andy Burnham, will officially open Alison Brooks Architect’s Quarterhouse Performing Arts and Business Centre in Folkestone, located in the Kent district, England. The ceremony will take place in March 5.

The building is the centrepiece of the city’s arts-led regeneration programme spearheaded by client The Creative Foundation. The 1550 sqm includes a 220 seat, 500 standing multi-purpose auditorium for music, dance, theatre, film performances and conferences; ground floor foyer and exhibition space; first floor café/bar and a top floor business centre for start-ups in the creative industries.

More details and images, after the break.

Stirling Prize-winning architects ABA conceived the building as a beacon that lights up at night to express the animation of the creative life within. It is also an informal urban ‘shopfront’ building that completes the c

urved Georgian streetscape of Tontine Street. The fluted mesh cladding was inspired by both the maritime iconography of Folkestone’s historic architecture and the translucent scallop shells that arrive in Folkestone’s harbour every day.

Construction began in summer 2007 with funding for the project coming from a £3.5M Kent County Council grant with a further £500,000 from the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA). The project team includes Akera Engineers, Charcoalblue Theatre Consultants, Atelier Ten, GPM Partnership and local contractor DJ Ellis.

To celebrate the opening there will be a performance by Jazz vocalist Ian Shaw and a specially commissioned dance piece by young people involved in the Shepway Find Your Talent Programme. Upcoming events include BBC Kent introducing; SWAY; Sellindge Music Festival Tournament and the Robert Mitchell Trio.