Battersea Arts Centre's Grand Hall To Reopen After Devastating Fire
It's taken three years and millions to rebuild
The multi-million pound rebuild of BAC is nearing completion
A massive fire destroyed Battersea Arts Centre's Grand Hall on March 13th 2015.
Three years later the rebuild is completing and the Lavendar Hill arts hub is throwing open its doors with a celebratory Phoenix Season.
Kicking off with Gecko's Missing, which returns to complete the run that was lost to the fire, the season is being labelled as a true celebration of people’s determination and creativity, and in that spirit will give platforms to artists and leaders of the future.
Check here for the special Phoenix Events - a series of talks, debates and parties to say thank you for the generosity the Arts Centre received after the fire.
Over 5,000 people donated to the rebuild fund set up in the immediate wake of the blaze, each giving from £1 to £100,000. And the Government added £1million to help a fast moving fight back.
Following the multi-million pound refurbishment by architects Haworth Tompkins, Battersea Arts Centre's stunning Grand Hall is accepting hires from January 2019. This Grade II* listed space will have the unique benefit of 21st century technical capability, while retaining the aesthetic of the original Victorian ball room. The improved infrastructure will enable the centre to accommodate ambitious and innovative events.
David Jubb, Artistic Director and CEO of Battersea Arts Centre, said, “People’s response to the fire was very moving; everyone involved with Battersea Arts Centre was touched by the breadth and depth of people’s kindness... The salvage operation and the redesign work has been a huge labour of love.”
The fire largely destroyed upper parts of the listed Grand Hall, with considerable damage to the rest of it. Wandsworth Council owns the building, which it leases to the Battersea Arts Centre under a 20-year rent-free agreement.
Find out more about BAC at bac.org.uk or follow @battersea_arts.
March 20, 2018