In its brief, nine year history The National Theatre of Scotland (NTS) has become a major theatrical producing force on the Scottish, UK and international stage, with a reputation as a creator of world-class theatre. It does this within the model of being a ‘Theatre without Walls’ creating site-specific productions and performances - in halls, pubs, schools, fields and high rise flats as well as in traditional theatre settings throughout the world.
In Spring 2016, a new space will create a centre for creativity, production and talent development for NTS. The remodelling and refurbishing of a former Cash and Carry building in Craighall Road in the Speirs Wharf regeneration area of north-west Glasgow will be designed by RIBA award-winning architects Gareth Hoskins Architects Scottish Canals, working with the Glasgow Canal Regeneration Partnership.
Director of Gareth Hoskins Architects, Chris Coleman-Smith, says, “We are delighted to be working with the National Theatre of Scotland … to create a place where functions currently housed in scattered, and in cases inadequate, accommodation can be brought together in an efficient new facility. We are excited by the ambition of the organisation to create theatre on a national and international scale that is contemporary, confident and forward-looking and ourselves look to deliver a building that reflects that ambition.”
The building, disused since 2002, extends over two levels and will include one of the largest theatrical rehearsal rooms in Scotland, a dedicated facility for small-scale community drama work and a fully operational technical and costume production resource. While it will not be a performance space, the technical and administrative facilities created will enable NTS to serve the country even better through its innovative ‘Theatre Without Walls’ model of operation. The development will streamline all NTS operations bringing ‘back-room’ activity under one roof and avoiding the high costs of commercial rentals but their productions will continue to be site-specific.
A Learning and Community suite will be the focus for engaging with a diverse range of participants. Creative Development spaces will offer new talent development opportunities for hundreds for artists every year as well as realising the potential to host labs, residencies as well as mentoring opportunities while acting as a beacon to attract world-class international artists to Scotland.
In choosing the former industrial heartland of north Glasgow, the NTS is also making a commitment to the regeneration of this part of Scotland’s biggest city with aims to connect more meaningfully with previously excluded communities. NTS will be part of an emerging cultural hub in the area whose neighbours include Scottish Opera, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow Sculpture Studios, The Glue Factory and the Whisky Bond.
This exciting and ambitious addition to Glasgow’s Clydeside is funded to date by the following sources: Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council, Vacant and Derelict Land Fund, The Robertson Trust, The Wolfson Foundation and The Binks Trust and on completion will have ample office space for its 43 full time staff, with enough space for freelance project workers and writers and for a host of visiting artists and creatives.
Wonderful news for NTS and for Scotland!