Darlington Arts Centre

• Theatre ID
  2871
• Built / Converted
  1982
• Dates of use
  • 1982 - 0: continuing - as arts centre.
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Arts Centre
• Address
  Vane Terrace, Darlington, Durham, DL3 7AX, England
• Website
  • Darlington Arts

Details

Constructed in 1876 as Darlington College of Education, a Teacher Training College founded by the British & Foreign School Society. Designed by James Pigott Pritchett, the building occupies a prominent position in the town centre, sharing a block with the former Grammar School. The original structure was on an H-plan with north and south wings, built in the Gothic style, of red brick with sandstone dressings and slate under pitched roofs. Over the years the building has had several additions and alterations, including the West Wing in 1903, and the new gymnasium and art room block in 1911. In 1976, Darlington Arts Association was formed, its purpose to establish an arts centre for the town. In 1978 the College finally closed. By this time, the growth and expansion of the college buildings made it an attractive venue for an Arts Centre. In 1982 the Arts Centre opened with the main hall, etc. adapted to a well-raked fan-shaped auditorium; stage with apron and adaptable proscenium. The entrance hall and other areas were adapted to a large foyer with bistro, a large ballroom, a shop and ancillary rooms. The Myles Meehan Gallery, adjoining the reception area, opened the following year. Alterations and improvements have been made continually since opening as the Arts Centre. And in 2001 ownership of the building was finally transferred to Darlington Borough Council. A refurbishment programme was completed in 2007 which provided improved facilities, including a new Studio Theatre space, and dressing rooms with full disabled access. The foyer was refurbished, step-free access to the Garden Bar, and the Lounge Gallery added as a community gallery, providing exhibition space for local artists. Darlington Arts Centre is a thriving cultural centre, with a popular and varied programme of theatre, film, music comedy, visual arts, as well as other community activities, workshops and education. The centre is also home to the National Association of Youth Theatres and Hullabaloo Theatre Company. In the 2010 Character Appraisal, the building was identified as one of local interest. This, and its incorporation in the West End Conservation Area, provide the building with protection against demolition.

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• Events
  • 1876 Design/Construction: as College of Education
    • JP Pritchett - Architect
  • 1903 - 0 Alteration: West Wing added.
    • JP Pritchett - Architect
  • 1911 - 0 Alteration: Gymnasium and art room.
    • Clark & Moscrop - Architect
  • 1936 - 0 Alteration: Blanche Pease Hall added.
  • 1955 - 0 Alteration: Dining Room and Assembly Hall enlarged and joined to gymnasium (architect unknown).
  • 1982 - 0 Design/Construction: conversion to Arts Centre.
    • Borough Architect - Architect
  • 1876 - 1998 Owner/Management: British & Foreign School Society, owner
  • 1978 - 0 Owner/Management: Local authority, lessee, Darlington Arts Association, administrator
  • 1998 Owner/Management: Local authority, owner, Darlington Arts Association, administrator
  • 1939 - 0 Alteration: Richard Pease Hall added.
    • C W Miller Potts - Architect
  • 1982 - 0 Use: continuing - as arts centre.
• Capacities
  • Current: 340
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed