The Old Courthouse.... A New Arts Centre for Thirsk
Rural Arts bought Thirsk's redundant Courthouse complex in 2000. The buildings enabled the organisation to expand and enhance its outreach services, providing workshop studios, offices and storage rooms in the former Clerk to the Justices' house.
The former courtroom required restoration and the building needed updating and redeveloping. With funding from charitable and public agencies, the courtroom was restored and saved from a particularly severe attack of dry rot. A foyer exhibition space was created and disabled access was improved with an external ramp and accessible WC’s. New roofs and a programme of external repairs including the restoration of the Victorian windows was also undertaken.
In February 2007 the new venue opened with a cultural programme for the local community aimed at audiences of all ages. Each season we aim to run a performance programme which includes music, comedy and theatre, and to show a monthly exhibition of visual arts and crafts. The courthouse also serves as a popular venue for classes, talks and courses, including yoga, life drawing, dance, quilting and internet access for beginners.
Click for details of the Courthouse redevelopment...
