Galeri creative enterprise centre, Victoria Dock, Caernarfon
This striking building by Caernarfon’s waterfront was opened in April 2005, on a site formerly used for exporting slate. It includes a theatre and cinema with 394 seats, 24 office units, rehearsal studios, art space, a café bar and meeting rooms.
The building was created at a cost of £7.5m by Cwmni Tref Caernarfon Cyf. (now Galeri Caernarfon Cyf.), a not-for-profit trust set up in 1992 to implement sustainable projects in the town with the aim of stimulating creativity and economic growth. By 2005 the town had no cinema and few areas for residents or visitors to enjoy live performances.
The building was designed by Edinburgh-based Richard Murphy Architects. In keeping with the dockside location, the exterior echoes warehouse and maritime architecture. Prominent features are green oak boarding and steel framework.
The interior was designed to enable Galeri to fulfil several functions at the same time. The offices are highly visible to visitors entering the building, to create a sense of interaction between the public and the people who do creative work at the site.
Funding for Galeri’s construction was provided by the Arts Council for Wales, European Union, Gwynedd Council and other bodies.
Postcode: LL55 1SQ