Work is set to begin on a transformational programme of accessibility and sustainability improvements at The Cluny, one of Newcastle's best-loved independent cultural venues. The venue was awarded £334,000 from the Department of Culture, Media and Sports (DCMS) through its Arts Everywhere Fund, part of a £12m Government funding package for UK arts and culture institutions announced earlier this year.
The Cluny was one of 12 North East venues to benefit from the cash pot, alongside Northern Stage in Newcastle, Queen's Hall Arts in Hexham, Baltic Flour Mills Visual Arts Trust and Gateway Studio CIO. Now, following a competitive tender process, the architecture and building surveying team at Savills in Newcastle has been appointed as project manager to design and oversee the delivery of the works.
Plans for the Ouseburn site
The former industrial flour mill and whisky warehouse was converted into a live music venue and bar in 1999. Since then, it has hosted the likes of Sam Fender, the Arctic Monkeys, New York Dolls, Dannii Minogue, Ed Sheeran and Solange Knowles, as well as Mumford & Sons, Duffy and Maxïmo Park. It has also been a regular fixture in the 100 list of the World's Best Bars.
The plans include widening the entrance to the main Cluny's bar, creating a flat landscaped area outside, a wraparound viewing platform in the gig space, and a refurbishment of an accessible toilet. The programme is expected to start in January and take between 13 and 14 months to complete.
Funding a milestone for accessibility
The funding marks a major milestone in plans to improve accessibility across its two venues, boost the audience and artist experience, and deliver a long-term decarbonisation strategy to support more sustainable and energy-efficient operations. The venue's rich history and popularity does not make it immune from the challenges faced by the hospitality industry, with several much-loved cafés, restaurants and bars closing due to increased costs across the board.
Ross Lewis, production manager at The Cluny, hopes the planned improvements will help make it more accessible and welcoming for all visitors. He said: “This funding is transformational for The Cluny. It will allow us to make meaningful improvements to accessibility in both our venues while taking important steps towards reducing our carbon footprint. As an independent venue, making changes at this scale would be impossible without this level of support, and we're proud that the work we're doing reflects our commitment to being both inclusive and environmentally responsible.
“The appointment of Savills means we can now move forward with confidence, supported by a team that understands both the opportunities and challenges of the project and shares our ambition for the venue's future.”
Expected benefits for the local economy
The works are expected to attract a broader range of artists and events in the future. The investment is also expected to strengthen the venue's long-term commercial sustainability, support local job opportunities and create opportunities for local SMEs to be involved in delivering the project.
Mark Coulter, associate director in the architecture and building surveying team at Savills in Newcastle, added: “We're delighted to have been appointed to deliver this exciting project for The Cluny. The investment will provide an opportunity to improve accessibility, enhance the experience for audiences and artists, increase the flexibility and efficiency of the venue, and reduce its environmental impact.
“The Cluny plays a hugely important role in the cultural life of Newcastle and the wider North East. Through this programme of works, we will help create a more accessible, sustainable and resilient venue that can continue to support live music, attract new audiences and deliver lasting benefits for the local community and economy.”
