Digital media centre name announced
no: 85-09
date: February 16, 2009
THE name for Leicester’s flagship new Digital Media Centre has been revealed – it will be known as Phoenix Square.
The new £21 million building in the heart of the city’s new Cultural Quarter is set to open this autumn and will include cinema screens, business spaces, digital arts facilities and new apartments.
The Phoenix Square name was chosen to continue the legacy of the popular Phoenix Arts Centre, in Newarke Street, which the new building will take over from and expand upon with a huge range of state-of-the art facilities.
Announcing the name, Leicester City Council leader Ross Willmott said: “This is the commitment I gave that we would have a replacement for the Haymarket and a fitting replacement for the Phoenix, and I am pleased to be announcing the name today.”
Work is still underway at the site of the building in Morledge Street, which is expected to be officially launched in the autumn.
A huge crane which has been key to assembling the landmark building will be lifted free of the site on Saturday, February 14, subject to weather conditions.
The development includes partners from Leicester City Council, Phoenix Arts, Blueprint and De Montfort University.
When complete, Phoenix Square will be home to three cinema screens, a digital exhibition space and digital production facilities, and will have close links with De Montfort University’s world-class research in new media and the digital arts.
Phoenix Square will also house 37 new creative businesses, continuing the success of Leicester Creative Business Depot, along with seven two-storey studio-office units and a public cafe/bar.
A total of 63 homes – each one individually designed – will also be incorporated. Leicester City Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor Patrick Kitterick, said: "I am delighted that the new Phoenix Square development will continue and build upon the popular reputation of Phoenix Arts in the city.
"The Cultural Quarter already features the impressive new Curve theatre and the successful LCB Depot, and I am confident that Phoenix Square will further raise the city's profile.”
Blueprint’s development director Peter Connolly added: “Phoenix Square is an exciting new development that has been carefully designed to be an integral landmark in the heart of the city’s emerging Cultural Quarter.
“We have worked very closely with the architect to ensure that the quality and attention to detail is part of the fabric of the building for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
“Phoenix Square will offer a unique environment to live in, work in and enjoy – we are very proud to be part of such an important development, the legacy of which will be around for generations to come.”
Leicester-based design firm Newenglish Design have been brought in to design the logos and branding for the new centre.
Bosses from the existing Phoenix Arts Centre and Leicester City Council are working together to ensure a smooth transition of events and attractions from the old Newarke Street venue to the new one.
Ted Cassidy MBE, chairman of the Phoenix Arts board said: 'We're very pleased, given the long tradition of Phoenix in the city, that the brand will live on in our new home.
“Phoenix Square is all about the exciting opportunities the digital future offers - but it's also about continuing to bring the quality of independent and world cinema to as wide as possible an audience in Leicester.”
De Montfort University’s deputy vice-chancellor, Professor David Asch, added: “Phoenix Square will be an exciting addition to Leicester’s Cultural Quarter and will be a significant showcase for the very latest innovations in digital arts.
“DMU is at the heart of many of the city’s key cultural activities and we are very pleased that Phoenix Square will benefit from the rich talent of our staff and students from our world-class research.”
Full details of the Phoenix Square development are available at www.leicester.gov.uk/phoenixsquare
(end)
For press enquiries only contact Christian Dezelu in the Press Office on 0116 252 6081, or email christian.dezelu@leicester.gov.uk
For further information please contact the Press Office at pressdesk@leicester.gov.uk .
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
