Wysing Arts Centre

The project will make much-needed improvements to Wysing Art Centre’s Reception building, which is the first port of call for all visitors and users of our public site, amenities and free programmes. The capital project will reconfigure this tired and inflexible space to make it more welcoming, accessible, user-friendly and environmentally efficient.
The Reception building is a multifunctional space that also hosts free public events, gatherings and meetings. The project will reconfigure the layout so the reception desk faces in two directions to welcome visitors from north and south entrances. A rearrangement of the WCs will mean that both cubicles have a clearly defined location off a lobby, enabling a clearer, wider and visible entrance to the gallery/project space. A partition will be relocated, widening the kitchen to create a wheelchair turning area and accessible worktop. Existing spaces will be enhanced using robust and easily maintainable materials. The longevity/durability of new areas of construction is an area of focus to ensure a quality environment can be sustained and ‘age well’. Materials will give the appropriate balance of quality, durability, and cost.

The capital project works to be undertaken with LCF funds are:
Reception building interior space updated and reconfigured to provide 2 WCs (1 compliant), new reception desk and kitchen,
Reception building lighting upgraded with LED lighting,
Induction loop installed to improve the quality of engagement for d/Deaf visitors and users.
Work included in the project but not allocated to LCF: South elevation glazing will be replaced so the south entrance is intuitively placed, giving views to the reception entrance from the car park path and promoting natural wayfinding. Air Source Heat Pump installation and other heating and electrical work.

The works will make Wysing Arts Centre more welcoming and accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities. It will promote community cohesion through shared public space and participation in free cultural activities as well as reducing Wysing’s environmental impact.