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Director of the Roundhouse Marcus Davey enjoys a
challenge and that's just as well because the redevelopment scheme
for the Roundhouse is nothing if not ambitious. The plan is to transform
the building into an arts centre at the heart of London's cultural
life. There will be a particular emphasis on arts activities for
young people who have had little opportunity to taste culturally
enriching experiences.
The Roundhouse was built as an engine shed in 1846
but was used for that purpose for only two decades. It then became
a warehouse for Gilbeys gin until 1960 when it had its first spell
as an arts centre. That was when it achieved notoriety as a hub
of sixties alternative and psychedelic culture. Hendrix, The Doors,
Pink Floyd and other top acts of the day played there. From 1983
the Roundhouse was closed and a variety of schemes were mooted,
money was squandered but nothing much happened.
That all changed in 1997 when former toy magnate
Norman Torquil, who made his millions from the Polly Pocket dolls,
saw the building and realised it would be the perfect headquarters
for a project that had long been close to his heart. He wanted to
give underprivileged young people the opportunity to participate
in arts and cultural activities that they would otherwise be unlikely
to get a chance to take part in. So, a week after first seeing the
Roundhouse, the deep-pocketed and philanthropic Mr Norman bought
it.
When I went to Kentish town to meet Marcus Davey,
he took me just over the road to Marine Ices, a Camden favourite
which sells some of the best ice cream available in London. "We've
raised £16.3 million of the £24.5 million we need to fund the redevelopment,"
Marcus tells me. "We're currently on schedule to start work in May
2003 which means completion will be March 2005.
"The main changes to the venue include a whole
new wing, a strengthened roof and the transformation of the Undercroft,
which is basically the basement of the building, into an arts and
cultural centre for young people. The bywords for the whole development
are accessible and funky.
"I'm delighted to have this challenge - I was actually
approached by a headhunter to go for the job but I would have applied
for it anyway. It's a unique project and a dream one for me. I'm
very excited at the prospect of having 10,000 young people coming
through here each year and being exposed to new arts and cultural
experiences. It's a real privilege to be part of this project."
With a man of Marcus' obvious enthusiasm and energy
at the helm, I'm betting that the Roundhouse is going to be a storming
success.
Click here
to visit the Roundhouse website
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