Sculpture centre in bad shape

A MULTI-million pound arts centre is at risk of never being built unless it raises £450,000 by the end of the month.

Bosses at the Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop (ESW), who have already secured 4.2 million in funding to help create the International Centre of Excellence for Sculpture, today said they were "extremely worried" about the project's future after struggling to gather the last pot of vital cash.

If they do not raise the 450,000 needed to build the facility, at Hawthornvale, Newhaven, by 31 March the situation will get even worse as funding pledged by four trusts and foundations worth 225,000 will be lost. Reaching the deadline at the end of the month was a condition of the funding grant.

Failing to secure the original target means the ESW would face the task of raising the final 675,000 on its own – something which director Irene Kernan said could "postpone the building of the centre indefinitely".

She said: "We've done well with the funding and have raised 90 per cent of the money that is needed, but there is still a way to go.

"We need help from the public if we are to raise the 450,000 that is needed by the end of the month, which in turn will secure match funding of 225,000.

"After all this work, we are extremely worried that we will not be able to start construction in summer because it could lead to increased costs or, at worst, there is a risk that we will have to postpone building indefinitely.

"Unfortunately, it is not a good time to gain funding from banks or donors, but we are hopeful that people will help out."

The ESW said it is keen to build the facility, which would double the size of the centre, to keep up with an increasing demand for arts classes and shows.

Ms Kernan said there was restricted space and cold, damp conditions in the "rapidly deteriorating" building next door to the development site.

The proposed plans would lead to the creation of specialist workshops for artists working in wood, metal and mixed media, an expanded IT suite, an open-plan area for developing projects and exhibiting work and a research centre.

In addition, there will be around 30 artist studios available and it is hoped that 3,000 people will use the facilities each year. Thousands more are expected to attend exhibitions, tours and open days.

Ms Kernan added: "It would be a real shame if the centre wasn't built. It is a massive development that provides art opportunities for schoolchildren, residents and anybody else who wants to make use of the education projects.

"The project is set to be a very important part of the artist and sculpture network, both locally and nationally."