firstsite:newsite, Rafael Viñoly Architects, Hayes Davidson CGI, 2006
Project Information
firstsite:newsite is designed as a new social space for everyone to visit, admission free. It will have a vibrant programme of changing exhibitions, workshops, lectures and films will run alongside community learning activities such as parent and toddler groups and events for school children and older people.
firstsite:newsite will be a new piece of architecture from which new journeys can be made, both imaginary and real. firstsite:newsite will contain:
- Flexible presentation spaces for exhibitions showing the full range of contemporary visual arts
- Resource area with research and IT facilities
- Daytime café / evening restaurant with a terrace overlooking a new public park
- Gift shop selling local art work and craft items, books, toys, cards and publications
- Artists' spaces for project work and artists in residence
- Purpose-built Learning Studios for workshops, school groups, students and community group activities
- High-specification 200 seat auditorium with screening facility and full conference IT resources
- Meeting areas and a variety of meeting rooms for business and community hire.
Who is the architect?
In 2003 an international competition was held to find an architect to design firstsite:newsite. Rafael Viñoly Architects, based in New York, were selected because of their passion for Colchester and its history, seeking to make visible a hidden part of the town and create a new public space for people to enjoy. Their design also best reflected the firstsite:newsite vision of bringing art, artist and audience together.
Click here to see more about the architect.
Is the building environmentally friendly?
There have been a number of measures taken during construction, to make the project environmentally friendly. These include using recycled, durable and sustainable materials and efficient building systems.
firstsite's operations are also environmentally conscious, all staff including caterers will continue to uphold best practice in the recycling of everyday items. The fixtures and fittings will be of the highest practical efficiency to achieve minimum energy use, the minimal car parking is designed to encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport.
How is the archaeology protected?
firstsite:nwsite is sited on Scheduled Ancient Monument land, identified by English Heritage as being of archaeological significance, prohibiting the use of foundations. The solution, developed in collaboration with English Heritage, has been to engineer the architecture to support its own weight.
Recycled rubble from the Colchester garrison re-development was used to build up and level the land, acting as the protecting layer between the achaeology below and any facilities such as gas and water pipes, which have been set into this raised platform.
Who is working on this project?
firstsite:newsite is led by firstsite, an existing contemporary arts organisation which has been operating in the East of England for over 13 years. The idea for the project has been developed and tested since 1994 through firstsite's work and audience growth at the Minories.
Four partners are working with firstsite to realise the ambition of creating a cultural venue for the 21st Century, they are:
Arts Council England
East of England Development Agency
Essex County Council
Colchester Borough Council
Who has awarded the financial investment?
The remaining funding has been secured through donations from charitable trusts, Foundations, individuals and the business community:
Arts Council England
East of England Development Agency
Essex County Council
Colchester Borough Council
University of Essex
What else is happening in Colchester?
firstsite:newsite is the first project in a significant regeneration programme for the St Botolph's area of Colchester. In the future, when you come to firstsite:newsite you will also be able to visit a whole range of shops, restaurants and public spaces in this new cultural quarter.
Click here to read more about the regeneration programme
