Crucial works ensure music plays on at The Glasshouse
Time for an upgrade
Most of the stories you’ll read here about The Glasshouse concern the music but this one dances to a rather different tune.
It’s about the capital works programme which is the reason the big concert hall, Sage One, is currently out of bounds and couldn’t be used this year for the BBC Proms.
Some £4 million is being invested in the building which opened in December 2004, a disconcerting blink for some of us but more than a lifetime ago for others.
The current operation involved the removal of the building’s chiller units by crane – and if you thought a chiller was something to do with an interval glass of wine, then think bigger.
These monster machines, plucked from their lairs and whisked skywards in an intricate but impressively smooth operation, are to do with the air conditioning.
They are to be replaced as part of a wider programme of improvements described as the most significant in the life of Gateshead’s famous venue designed by Foster and Partners.
This summer’s organised upheaval also includes the replacement of Sage One’s power flying system, refurbishment of the stage and stage lifts, and the installation of automated stage risers (to hoist up those staggered platforms that singers occupy during choral concerts).
The Glasshouse management team say many of the systems that have supported performances here since day one have now reached the end of their operational life.
These improvements, they add, will ensure long-term resilience and improve the experience of artists and audiences using the building.
All in all, it’s a happier story than that relating to another cultural venue of similar vintage and name just a few miles down the road.
Sunderland’s National Glass Centre closed for good at the end of July, the estimated cost of repairs and future-proofing deemed too high.
In the words of Fraser Anderson, CEO of The Glasshouse International Centre for Music: “This is a vital investment in the future of The Glasshouse.
“I’m hugely grateful to all the donors and partners who have supported this first phase of our renewal programme, which aims to ensure our building and facilities serve the next generation just as brilliantly as they have for people during our first two decades.
“When artists, young people and production teams return to Sage One in September, they will find essential work on our infrastructure has been completed.
“These upgrades will mean the amazing live music that happens here will be better supported, giving a substantially improved experience for both performers and audiences.
“Over 20 years The Glasshouse has become a national landmark and we’re determined to ensure it continues to shine brightly from the North East.
“We’re not just maintaining a building, we’re protecting one of the UK’s great homes for live music, creative education and artistic expression.”
The Glasshouse has remained open all summer with a programme of live music, events and activities continuing across the building while Sage One is temporarily unavailable.
The bill hall is scheduled to reopen for the start of the new classical music season on September 19.
This £4 million first phase of work has been supported by Anne Reece, the Garfield Weston Foundation, Joanna and Graham Barker, The Barbour Foundation, The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, Gateshead Council, Arts Council England, The Shears Foundation, The Squires Foundation, the Sir James Knott Trust and an anonymous donor.