History

Pyramid, Warrington’s centre for the arts, is steeped in history from its days as a courthouse playing host to numerous law breakers.

It was 1989 when Warrington Borough Council established that there was a very real need for a centre of art activities in the town.

Arts injection

The people of Warrington were asked about the type of arts injection they thought the town needed. The results of the research established that an arts centre should be in the town centre to make it more accessible, it should house performance spaces that can be used by a wide range of different people, and it should be open for people to meet and socialise freely. The plans were put together to create the basis of what is today known as Pyramid.

Award-winning architect

In 1995, the Council overcame the initial problem of funding and were awarded £40,000 by the Lottery to develop the idea of a multi-purpose venue for the people. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) came on aboard to help seek out an architect with exactly the right vision and creativity to design a building unlike any other. Architects Studio BAAD won the RIBA competition with their bold design for the new building. The Lottery application was sent to the panel in 1997 and the Pyramid committee were subjected to an intense questioning session from the regional arts board.

Successful award

On 31 March, 1998 Pyramid announced a successful award of £2.4m – the timing was impeccable, as this was exactly 100 years to the day that the building first opened its doors as a Court – 31 March 1898!

The award for £2.4m was the largest single award to any local authority in the country – quite an achievement for the future of the town. Work commenced on Pyramid in 1999 and, after some setbacks, was completed in early 2002 with the new-look design fully realised into a stunning landmark for Warrington.

The Building

The winning design sets old and new side by side, with exposed brickwork and leaded windows contrasting with the modern steel and glass foyer. Industrial steel staircases and a glass elevator continue this theme across all four levels of the venue.

A key part of the architects’ design is transparency, seen clearly in the glass-walled entrance hall but also manifested in many other ways. There are viewpoints to different levels of the building, in fact one may even look down from the highest level right through to the diners in the lower ground floor restaurant. Several of the performance spaces also have the option of being partially visible for passers-by to glimpse the workshop or activity taking place inside. Much of the building’s outer wall is constructed from glass or translucent panelling, making the venue glow with light at night and again giving a high level of visibility to the activities taking place inside.

Unusually for a performing arts venue, each area may be filled with natural light, and the existing central lightwell has been preserved at the heart of the building.

Pyramid & Parr Hall

Pyramid is now managed in conjunction with Parr Hall and has brought a much needed boost to the day and evening economy of the town centre. Warrington’s centre for the arts is quickly gaining the reputation as the jewel in the crown of Palmyra Square’s Cultural Quarter.