The Ulster Orchestra has been given the go ahead for the restoration and redevelopment of its current rehearsal and administrative space Townsend Street Church into its permanent home.
The funding from the Foyle Foundation and National Lottery Heritage Fund in addition to other key organisations will support the major works required to reinstate deteriorated architectural features of the three-building complex and bring its history to life.
The restored site, renamed Ulster Orchestra at Townsend, will provide a much-needed home for the Orchestra, including a rehearsal and event space, a music learning and community engagement hub, a dedicated recording studio, additional rehearsal rooms and spaces to rent.
“Our vision is to be a vital force in the cultural, social and educational life of Northern Ireland,” said Ulster Orchestra CEO Auveen Sands about the project. “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.”
The restoration and redevelopment project is supported by The 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, in addition to the Foyle Foundation whose funding will see the Townsend Street Church itself re-named the Foyle Foundation Hall at Townsend.
“The Foyle Foundation had been looking for a legacy project for Northern Ireland which would make a difference and have long-term benefit and lasting impact,” said David Hall, Chief Executive of the Foyle Foundation. “This will provide the facilities it previously lacked and the stability to expand its work and impact in the community and across the region.”
As part of the support package, The National Lottery has awarded the Ulster Orchestra an initial £268,000. Speaking about the award, Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland Director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said, “Using money made possible by National Lottery players 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.”
The Ulster Orchestra has also recently been chosen to be part of the Belfast 2024 programme. The resulting ‘Sound Links’ Community Block Party, in partnership with Townsend Enterprise Park and Zeppo Arts, takes place on Saturday 21 September. The one day outdoor event will feature live music, market stalls, dance performances, and food stalls – with the aim of bringing together the local community.