Gecko Creation Space: Update
It’s been a while since we last gave you an update on the Gecko Creation Space and a lot has happened since then.
Working with Ipswich Borough Council, our architects EDRM and technical specialists, we’ve been exploring how to transform the old Burton’s warehouse on Ipswich’s waterfront into the industry significant devising and rehearsal studio we have always dreamed of. Over the last year we’ve been working really hard behind the scenes to make this building happen; we’ve dug trial pits, surveyed the building, created technical drawings, calculated loadings and been to a lot of meetings. However, in recent months it has become apparent that the challenges of converting the existing site to the necessary specification is technically difficult to achieve in a cost effective manner, and therefore together with IBC we have made the difficult decision to stop any further development work on this site.
Although we are obviously disappointed not to achieve our new home just yet, both Ipswich Borough Council and Gecko are still fully committed to delivering a Creation Space for Ipswich and are now working together to identify an alternative site for the project. We hope to share further details of this with you in the next couple of months.
Amit Lahav, Artistic Director Gecko said “I am very excited to continue this journey with Ipswich Borough Council as we look to identify a site where we can create a new home for Gecko that will support the making of our work and how we engage with artists and our local community”.
Cllr David Ellesmere, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council said “A facility of this quality is not only important to Gecko, but also to Ipswich, attracting artists and companies from around the world to make and create work here, celebrating and promoting the creativity of our town. We are committed to working with Gecko to bring the Creation Space to Ipswich.”
Gecko’s Head of Operations and Development, Steve Allman said “We have learnt a huge amount during this period in how to create a world class facility for creation and rehearsal and are incredibly grateful for the continued support we have from Ipswich Borough Council, and from our funders and supporters. Although work on the warehouse has stopped, the story of the Creation Space continues and I can’t wait to start sharing our plans as they develop over the coming months”.
