Location:
Powys
Funding amount:
£73200.00

Project description:

The ‘Wyeside Works’ Project looked into both the physical building and business aspects of Wyeside Arts Centre and shaped the future direction of the organisation, confidently outlining a route towards a bright and more sustainable future.

The detailed study assessed a way in which Wyeside could diversify its offer to the community, potentially including the creation of additional performance and rehearsal spaces. 

They will be taking the opportunity to look at their iconic Grade 2 listed building and will be identifying innovative ways to improve on areas such as disabled access and heating systems, ensuring that all facilities meet modern requirements. 

What will the project achieve?

The benefit of carrying out a detailed feasibility study has enabled Wyeside to look at its current practices and business model and identify ways in which these can be improved both in terms of the diversity of the programme that they are able to offer and the facilities on site. 

The feasibility was business led with a view towards offering new facilities that aren’t available locally and moving the centre towards financial security. 

Who are the project beneficiaries?

Community of Builth Wells and surrounding areas

Challenge 

The key problems of the feasibility would be to come up with a business model that was less reliant on public funding whilst increasing the facilities and programme that they were able to offer. The other key challenge would be to secure funding to move the project forward on completion of the feasibility and enable them to ensure the art centre is fit for purpose. 

Solution 

Wyeside engaged the services of a Project Manager, Rob David (RDPM), A Business Development Team (Cultivate) and an Architectural design team led by  Angus Morrogh-Ryan of de matos ryan. They also worked closely with Dilwyn Davies, CEO of Theatr Mwldan in Cardigan who carried out similar upgrades to his facility and business model ten years ago. 

What was the result of your project?

Engaging with professional teams meant that they received expert advice on the possible changes they could make to the building and how they could drive the business forward. 

This has resulted in Wyeside producing a feasibility study that will now be the driver for securing funding to take the project on to the next stage. 

As part of the feasibility process, they held consultations with a number of different groups and members of the public. Their feedback helped shape the final design. 
The consultations raised the profile of the project and has excited the town with the possibilities for Wyeside.  

Wyeside has started the process of fundraising to take the project on to RIBA stage 3 and the in-depth feasibility study will aid them in applications to possible funders.

The feasibility study included a five-year business plan which Wyeside will strive to deliver. 

Further project information:

Name:
Jill Mustafa
Telephone number:
01982 553668
Email project contact