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Date: 07 Aug 2024
Category: City regeneration and development, Culture and arts
Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Micky Murray has welcomed news that Ulster Orchestra has secured the necessary support to restore Townsend Street Church as its new, permanent home.
Over the next two years, the complex, comprising three buildings: Townsend Street Church, a former school and a Memorial Hall in west Belfast, will undergo major works to reinstate deteriorated architectural features, bring its history to life and enable it to play a vibrant role in the local community once again.
As well as providing a much-needed home for the Orchestra, the Ulster Orchestra at Townsend restoration will also create a rehearsal and event space, a music learning and community engagement hub, a dedicated recording studio, additional rehearsal rooms, and spaces to rent.
Lord Mayor Councillor Micky Murray said: “Belfast City Council has been proud to support the Ulster Orchestra for many years now - it plays such an important role in our city’s cultural fabric as the first UNESCO City of Music on the island of Ireland. So I’m delighted to see the orchestra’s new, permanent home secured at Townsend Street. And it’s such a fitting time for work to begin, during our biggest ever city-wide celebration of culture and creativity, Belfast 2024.
“I’d encourage everyone to come and join in the ‘Sound Links’ Community Block Party on Townsend Street on Saturday 21 September as part of our Belfast 2024 programme – there’ll be live music, markets, dance, delicious food – and no better time to celebrate together than on the International Day of Peace.”
Auveen Sands, Ulster Orchestra Chief Executive said: “Thanks to the generous support of the Foyle Foundation, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Ulster Garden Villages, Dormant Accounts Fund NI and the continued support of the Department for Communities, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council, the Ulster Orchestra is delighted to have taken ownership of the Townsend Street Church complex and is proud to call it our new, permanent home. We want to create a flexible space that removes barriers to music for all, acknowledging both the heritage of Townsend Street but also that of the Ulster Orchestra, as one of the UK’s premier orchestras for almost 60 years.
“Our key vision is to be a vital force in the cultural, social and educational life of Northern Ireland. We already work closely with many local communities through our learning and community education programme, but we want everyone to have access to our music and to deliver even more diverse and engaging activities. By having our own home, this is more achievable and an exciting opportunity to embed ourselves in the heart of the community.”
David Hall, Chief Executive, The Foyle Foundation commented: “The Foyle Foundation had been looking for a legacy project for N Ireland which would make a difference and have long-term benefit and lasting impact. Therefore, we are delighted to support the Orchestra’s move to Townsend Street Church, its first permanent home and dedicated rehearsal and learning base. This will provide the facilities it previously lacked and the stability to expand its work and impact in the community and across the region.”
Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland Director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “It is our privilege to support the Ulster Orchestra in developing their transformative plans for 32 Townsend Street with an initial award* of £268,000. Using money made possible by National Lottery players it allows them to plan for the buildings’ conservation and maintenance and connect with the local community, offering opportunities for new audiences to experience orchestral music for the first time. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations; the reimagining of the landmark church, school and hall into a thriving music and heritage centre in this neighbourhood is a truly exciting prospect.”
Auveen added: “As a registered charity, partnership support is vital to enable us to deliver our programme of activity and we are thrilled to have also been chosen by Belfast City Council to begin this work via the Belfast 2024 programme. The ‘Sound Links’ Community Block Party, in partnership with Townsend Business Park and Zeppo Arts, takes place on Saturday 21 September and has generated an additional opportunity to invest in the area. This vibrant outdoor event promises an unforgettable day filled with live music, bustling markets, energetic dance performances, and delicious food offerings – aiming to bring together the local community in a celebration of culture, music and togetherness.
“The Orchestra have also commissioned new work from three composers on the past, present and future of the street. Working with the Heritage Lottery, we want to further build this theme and protect the church’s heritage by documenting and preserving the history of the area for generations to come, through a dedicated microsite on the UO website, including immersive experiences for visitors, both in-person and online. It’s certainly an exciting time for the Ulster Orchestra!”
For updates and information on Ulster Orchestra activity, please visit www.ulsterorchestra.org.uk and for more information on Sound Links on 21 September, go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/belfast2024/the-programme/sound-links