Arts Centre Washington

Project Overview

The Arts Centre Washington, housed in a former 19th-century farm building, recently benefitted from a substantial £250,000 grant aimed at upgrading its facilities. The project included both internal and external improvements to enhance the centre’s accessibility and appeal. Inside, renovations were made to the lower barn, granary, and theatre, featuring new lighting, carpeting, and decoration, along with the installation of an accessible lift to the upper granary. Externally, the focus was on transforming the courtyard and surrounding outdoor space into inviting and functional areas for visitors and passersby. The courtyard resurfacing was complemented by feature planting and a wooden wall to allow for the space to be enclosed for events.  

The Challenge

Creating a welcoming, modern space that blends with the historic character of the Arts Centre.

The Arts Centre’s ongoing refurbishment required contemporary paving to complete the transformation of its external space. Following the enhancement of the building and its surrounding land, the focus shifted to the courtyard. This crucial phase involved a complete resurface with high quality block paving that would not only modernise the space but also harmonise with the building’s aesthetic. The primary goal was to create a versatile outdoor area that could host live music, theatre, and performance events, ensuring it was both accessible and welcoming to the public.  

The Solution

Providing a perfect mix of warmth and modernity through Tobermore’s tailored paving solutions.

Tobermore’s Artro Mensa Constellation offered the ideal blend of warmth and modernity for the Arts Centre Washington’s courtyard. Achieving a seamless integration of the paving with the building’s existing colour scheme was essential for this project.  

To support Sunderland City Council in their decision-making process, Tobermore provided a Live Design Studio session. This collaborative session, guided by one of our expert representatives, allowed for an in-depth exploration of product options. The council could easily view, compare, and discuss various solutions, ensuring that the chosen products aligned perfectly with both the aesthetic vision and budgetary requirements. 

Artro paving in the Mensa signature mix from Tobermore’s Constellation collection was selected for its perfect balance of warmth and contemporary style, complementing the building’s exterior flawlessly.

To introduce contrast, Manhattan Pavo block paving constellation in cool tones of Graphite, Mid-Grey and Silver was incorporated, with Fusion kerbs adding a final touch of elegance to the courtyard. These enhancements not only improved accessibility but also transformed the area into a vibrant venue for hosting live events.  

Explore Tobermore’s full Constellation range.