A local contractor will be carrying out the works.
Phoenix Cinema and Art Centre will gain a new extension to house creative and education spaces. There'll be two new cinema screens, a larger cafe and roof terrace and it'll be accessible to everyone.
The £6.7m project is being accelerated through SCAPE Construction.
Parts of the current building – which was built in 2009 by Willmott Dixon – will also be refurbished to create new office and foyer spaces, and extend the digital arts gallery.
Willmott Dixon are to carry out this current project at Phoenix as well.
John Rance, chief executive officer at Phoenix, said: “We are expanding a unique cultural venue that includes digital arts, cinema, a popular café and spaces to meet, create and learn.
"Phoenix attracts a wide range of visitors, and Willmott Dixon and Marchini Curran Associates have done an excellent job working with us to produce a final design that meets both our ambition for the development and the challenges of funding and value for money."
Nick Heath, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “We’re very excited about being awarded this project and extending Phoenix even further.
"The venue has proven to be an invaluable asset to the local community in Leicester – acting as a collaborative hub for filmmakers, artists, and creative businesses, which has facilitated job creation and economic output for the city’s creative industries."
The digital econonmy
The build has also played a huge role in the area’s digital economy, attracting national funding and supporting initiatives to boost local tourism, so we’re incredibly proud to be a part of its continuing success.
Nick added: “Client satisfaction is incredibly important to the Willmott Dixon team and we always strive to deliver projects on budget, on time and to the highest possible standard.
"Being awarded another phase of works following completion of the initial build twelve years ago highlights how this standard has been embedded within the company for more than a decade.
"We can’t wait to collaborate with the Phoenix team again and to bring even more creative benefits to Leicester city centre.”
The collaboration of the season
Throughout the project, Willmott Dixon will be working with Phoenix to ensure the venue remains operational and that the construction work causes minimal disruption to the occupants of the residential apartments housed within the existing building.
Nick continued: “This project will present some challenges – such as its city centre location and the close proximity of residents, as well as the site remaining live throughout the programme of works – but our experienced operations teams will be working alongside the client to find solutions that allow the project to run as seamlessly as possible.
“Having said that, the project offers some exciting sustainability opportunities too. In line with our company commitments, the extension building will target a BREEAM Very Good rating and we will be installing electric car charging points for teams to use throughout construction works.
"We have also already conducted a low carbon technology feasibility assessment, which will help the building incorporate the best fitting renewable energy sources. This has helped confirm plans for a green roof - making home to a biodiversity spot within the heart of the city.
“It’s been an incredibly challenging year for the creative industries, so we want to do everything we can to ensure that the extension works don’t have a negative impact on footfall for the venue.
"Working alongside communities and engaging with local people is something Willmott Dixon really prides itself on, so we’ll be in constant communication with Phoenix’s stakeholders to ensure the works don’t disrupt the facility’s ability to operate as usual.”
Leicester City Council is helping to fund the project in the hopes that it will re-stimulate the local creative sector following a difficult year in lockdown.
Willmott Dixon always strives to leave a lasting legacy in the communities it works within and has committed five per cent worth of social value throughout the scheme.
For example, this will include various community initiatives such as supporting local young people with work experience opportunities throughout the project's lifetime.
Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said: “As we attempt to collectively focus on building local economies back up, the expansion of Leicester’s Phoenix cinema and art centre is testament to the innovative thinking of Leicester City Council.
This successful delivery of phase one by Willmott Dixon will attract new businesses to the area, as well as provide a fantastic and accessible facility for the local community to enjoy.
“As we, as a nation, work towards our net zero target, it is fantastic to see that the extension will be built with sustainability at the very heart of the plans creating a positive legacy for the future and the local community.”
Des Curran, director for Marchini Curran Associates, said: “We are delighted to see these exciting proposals now moving forward to the construction stage, thanks to the considerable efforts and excellent collaboration of all concerned."
Written by Levitha Biji
Levitha is a broadcast journalism graduate, currently studying MA International Media and Communication Studies at the University of Nottingham. Having lived in three countries and being fluent in three languages, she's passionate about global journalism. She's recently finished an internship with Niche Magazine and also runs her own blog, Levitha Mariam.
