Work on the centrepiece of Leicester's Cultural Quarter - the Performing Arts Centre - is underway and on target for completion in September 2007 according to the man behind the project. Mike Candler, Cultural Quarter Projects Manager, says the first stages of the build are in place, and work to underpin what will be the biggest project of its type ever in Leicester, has started.  | | Foundations go in |
"The contractors are currently laying the foundations for the main auditorium. Progress has been good. We have managed to maintain the programme. "We are currently on target for our scheduled completion date of September 2007," adds Mike. After work started on 20 June, the site has seen piling work and the laying of foundations which will be the base for the project. Work has, even in five weeks, moved at a fast pace.  | | The Centre takes shape |
The Centre will feature two auditoria which will house a total of 1,000 visitors and will allow two shows to perform at the same time. As Mike explains, the PAC will offer all the facilities needed for theatre and arts in Leicester in the future. "Around the auditoria are usual customer facilities such as box office, toilets, cafes, bars and those sorts of facilities. "We also have a range of production facilities, workshops and rehearsal spaces and all of the things which support the production of theatre," says Mike. Work is about to begin on a feasibility study into the creation of a moving image centre which will house the current Phoenix Arts facility. The centre would include three cinemas and support facilities. --------------------------------------------------------------- If you have something you want to ask about the project, fill in the form below and it will be put to the project's management and director by BBC Leicester at the next update in August. | 
