Partner Article

All change at The Exchange

It’s all change at The Exchange as a new team combining a creative vibe with entrepreneurial experience aims to turn a Grade II listed building in the centre of North Shields back into the hands of the community and into a thriving cultural hub.

For more than three years, the Exchange Building on Howard Street has been left empty having failed to make its mark through different incarnations as a bar, restaurant and wedding venue. But, under the directorship of a new board of experienced and enthusiastic business people, the venue and its new family-run bar and café will be firmly placed on the map.

The force behind this ambitious project are a mixture of local business and entertainment professionals as well as experienced productions people who have more than 100 years combined experience on stage themselves. Their productions company, Day8 Productions will also be housed in the venue. The team, who have been preparing the venue for its relaunch for almost two years, will be using their business and entertainment experience to turn the building into a successful cultural centre for the region.

Director Claire Willis said: “Currently, whenever anyone comes to North Shields, they head straight for the Fish Quay.

“We want to turn the Exchange Building into a must-visit for locals and tourists. Our dream is that it will be a space where people will come to engage with culture in all its forms We have a huge auditorium for hire where we can put on a range of concerts, plays, dances and also large scale theatrical productions,

“I want the Exchange Building to be a destination that people from North Shields and further afield can be proud of.”

The new family-run bar and restaurant at the venue, Beldons@The Exchange, has created three new jobs. Owner Gerry Beldon has a proven track record of organising local music events such as last year’s Under the Dome Festival in Whitley Bay. Beldons will be operating a professional theatre bar and café serving imaginative, seasonal meals made from organic and locally grown ingredients.

Gerry said: “The Exchange will be a great excuse to get out of the house, see a play or watch a live band and enjoy a few drinks or a great meal.

“We’ll be working hand-in-hand with the cultural side of the business and we’re aiming to start the ball rolling by putting out a call to anyone who might be interested in performing here.”

Musicians, writing groups, poets and anyone looking for rehearsal space are also being encouraged to get in touch.

The new venue is open daily from 10am-11pm. Anyone wishing to book events can contact the venue on 0191 2584111

Ends

Photo Shows: Claire Willis (centre) with the team from Beldons cafe at The Exchange Building

Media Info from Keith Newman Highlights PR

07814 397951 Keith@highlightspr.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Keith Newman .