Birmingham’s Mac is back after two-year revamp

22nd April 2010

The refurbished Midland Arts Centre (Mac) in Birmingham will open its doors at the beginning of May after a two-year renovation period. The Mac first opened back in 1962 but was shut in April 2008 after falling into a state of disrepair, with limited access requiring it be brought up to modern standards.

Concept architect for the £15 million revamp Branson Coates handed over the scheme to Chetwoods.

Visitors will see a contemporary art gallery, refurbished theatre and cinema spaces, enlarged foyers and airy café spaces. It is also home to the national agency for South Asian arts.

Natural materials such as quarried stone have been used while artists have been commissioned for wall and floor decorations, carpets and sculptures. A newly landscaped terraced garden area with open performance space has also been created, while a new bridge has been built over the River Rea.

The scheme has been bankrolled by the city council and Arts Council England.

Mac chief executive Dorothy Wilson said: “We are proud and excited that, just as Birmingham has reached the shortlist to become UK City of Culture, we are able to open our doors to our community again.”

Source: building design