Architects support refurbishment work at the Babylon Gallery this Autumn

Salmons Bros builders & Freeman Brear Architects support refurbishment work at the Babylon Gallery this Autumn
Local builders Salmons Bros and Ely architects Freeman Brear are working with arts charity ADeC to refurbish the Babylon Gallery on Ely’s Waterside. The main work is being funded by the Arts Council who have injected one-off project funds to support and develop the organisation over the next year The Gallery will be closed throughout September for the work to be completed, re-opening In October with a larger gallery space and with more live events and workshops taking place in the venue. The funding will also be used to develop an exciting arts programme within the Maltings to include big name comedians such Arthur Smith and Mark Steel and more live music. Mercury Prize nominated singer Sam Lee is already confirmed for the 14^th October.
Caroline Cawley, Director of ADeC said ‘We’re so pleased to be working with such well-established local companies to develop the Babylon and their support is much appreciated allowing us to develop the space within budget. It’s timely that Salmons are celebrating their 50^thanniversary in 2015, Freeman Brear are also celebrating 25 years in partnership this year and  ADeC celebrating its 21^st anniversary too. We are still seeking some sponsorship to help fund smaller items such as LED lights and moveable display walls to make the space even more functional.
As well as our normal gallery programme the new space will be home to some exciting live performances and for our October launch we’re inviting local arts groups to use the space creatively. We really want to inject new life into the Babylon, creating a micro-arts centre Babylon Arts.’
Judith Brear, partner at Freeman Brear Architects said “We are delighted to celebrate this important anniversary for us by being able to give some of our time and expertise in supporting such a valuable local organisation. I started my architectural career in the building now home to Babylon Gallery so it is lovely some 30 years on to be able to help ADeC develop and improve it.”
For more details on sponsorship or if you’re a local group wishing to be part of our launch month in October contact Caroline Cawley at ADeC Tel: 01353 616991. www.adec.org.uk