With over 2,050 panes of glass fitted into place and 15,500 tonnes of concrete poured, the stunning Corby Cube is just a few days away from inviting residents through the front doors for the very first time.
Without even being completed the building has already garnered international acclaim by being runner-up to the Beijing Olympic Swimming Pool in the prestigious LEAF Awards for the Best Public Building Design of the Year and has a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ - the only theatre in the UK to receive this level. Now architects, Hawkins\Brown, are confident that it can continue its success as they plan to put in a submission for the Royal Institute of British Architecture (RIBA) – the UK’s most prestigious architecture award scheme.
Over the last two and a half years the striking structure has risen from the ground and now stands as an iconic building which has changed Corby’s skyline for good. The clever design of the building integrates public services with recreation spaces and the stylish glass cladding exterior is a stunning addition to the Parkland Gateway public space.
Now, as services are making their final moves over to the Cube, anticipation is growing to see what the striking structure holds inside. Partners have organised a launch event for invited guests on Monday 1st November and have organised tours of the building for the public from Tuesday 2nd November until Sunday 7th November.
Leader of Corby Borough Council, Cllr Pat Fawcett, said ‘The Corby Cube represents everything that our regeneration plans have been working towards, first class buildings, first class public spaces, first class services and a first class future for the people of Corby.
‘Next week will be a very exciting moment for us and over the coming months we still have further phases to look forward to such as plans for the bistro area being finalised and the opening of the rooftop garden, which is all planned to be completed in time for the official opening early next year.’
Creative Director at The Core, Chris Sudworth said, “Everyone at The Core is delighted to be part of such a special moment in the Corby story, with the opening of the iconic Corby Cube. This town has a rich history of creativity and culture and is bursting with originality and talent and in The Core at Corby Cube the local communities now have the performance venue they deserve. Everyone is welcome at The Core, a place for Corby’s communities to meet, see top class performances, get involved in creative workshops and express themselves. We look forward to working with the people of Corby to make The Core the best it can be.”
‘Cabinet Member for Customers and Communities, Councillor Andre Gonzalez de Savage said: “We are pleased to have been able to work in partnership and be part of the new Corby Cube which promises a really great asset for people living in the Corby community.
‘Basing our new registry office and the new Corby library in this exciting, iconic building will mean there is a host of county council services on offer, therefore helping to make this a fantastic hub for everyone living and working in Corby.’
Margaret Allen, director for the HCA East Midlands said, “We are proud to be involved with and support this project, which provides local people with a fantastic cultural and leisure facility. It is another piece of the Corby regeneration jigsaw, and adds to the already significant investment into housing, employment and retail growth of the town.
Simon Evans, Chief Executive of North Northants Development Company (NNDC), said, ‘In the Corby Cube and Corby East Midlands International Pool, Corby now has two buildings that any city in the UK would be proud of.
‘A tremendous amount of hard work has gone into the planning and development of the Parkland Gateway area so to see the vision become reality is very exciting and positions Corby perfectly for its future growth.
‘The end result is another testament to partnership working and in particular the ambition and commitment of Corby Borough Council.’
Peter Downes, East Midlands Development Agency’s Property Development Manager, commented, “A fantastic milestone has now been reached with the completion of this great new facility. We have worked closely with a range of partners to deliver this project, and our £5million investment will leave a lasting legacy for people living and working in Corby and the surrounding growth area.”
Peter Knott, Director of Arts Council England said: 'It's wonderful to see the Corby Cube open for the first time and all the efforts of the partners coming together, it is a real success story for local people.
'Arts and culture are at the heart of Corby Cube and the Corby Cube represents the regeneration of the town, we are pleased to have played a part in making it happen.'
The Corby Cube has been funded by Corby Borough Council, East Midlands Development Agency, the Department of Communities and Local Government, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), the Arts Council and Northamptonshire County Council in partnership with the North Northants Development Company.
The building was designed by Hawkins\Brown Architecture and constructed by Galliford Try PLC
The Corby Cube holds:
Main Reception
On entering through the front door, visitors will be met by the Main Reception desk made from bright red high quality laminate. Help will be available here to direct visitors to the location of services within the building. The ground and first floor are, however public areas, and during opening hours visitors will be free to move directly through reception to the library and on to the One Stop shop, (OSS) and if they have time perhaps pause to browse an interesting book. Alternatively visitors can take the lift directly to the One Stop Shop.
One Stop Shop –
A dedicated reception point in the OSS will be staffed by trained Customer Service Advisors who will have a good general knowledge of all council services. Customers will be able to access services such as housing repairs, advice and tenancy, Council Tax, benefits, environmental issues and cash payments.
Additionally, the One Stop Shop will be working with partners to enhance the “self-service” provision, and ensuring services from other organisations such as health, homelessness and debt avoidance projects are offered.
Library –
The new library is located on a ramp which connects the ground and first floor. New stock is being specially purchased for the new library which will also home a computer suite.
The library features a special area for young people aged 13 – 25 called Headspace. This area is located at the end of the ramp, in between the first and second levels, and has been designed in consultation with local young people who have already chosen some of the book stock. Activities also shaped by young people will take place in this area and special features including a Wii and relaxed seating will be included.
The Core –
Probably the most exciting part of the Cube, Corby’s new theatre, The Core, is accessed through the main reception, where the new box office will be selling tickets for future performances. The theatre is a stunning walnut clad 445 seat venue, with curved retractable seating system to facilitate a flexible flat floor auditorium space. The space has been designed to have a traditional theatre feel with balcony viewing whilst keeping modern theatre systems and flexibility.
And more…
The Corby Cube will also house Corby’s Registry Office and will be available to book out for weddings. A rooftop garden will be situated on the top floor of the building which will be used for photos, but this is due to open in 2011.
Plans are also progressing for a bistro which will be situated on the ground floor and will include a seating area that spills out on to the surrounding public space.
For more information please visit www.corbycube.co.uk