Music venue upgrades performance facilities

A major crane operation has marked the latest milestone in a multi-million-pound programme of improvements at one of the North East’s most iconic music venues.

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music has completed the removal of ageing rooftop chiller units as part of the first phase of a capital works programme worth around £4 million.

The operation saw the venue’s existing cooling units lifted from the roof by crane ahead of their replacement, supporting a wider programme of upgrades designed to modernise the building’s performance facilities.

Alongside the new chiller units, the summer works include replacing Sage One’s power flying system, refurbishing its stage lifts, carrying out a full stage refurbishment and installing automated stage risers.

Many of the systems being upgraded have been in operation since the venue opened in 2004 and have reached the end of their operational life.

The investment is intended to improve the long-term resilience of the building while enhancing the experience for performers, production teams and audiences.

Fraser Anderson, chief executive of The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, said: “This is a vital investment in the future of The Glasshouse.

“I’m hugely grateful to all the donors and partners who have supported this first phase of our Renewal Programme, which aims to ensure our building and facilities serve the next generation just as brilliantly as they have for people during our first two decades.

“When artists, young people, and production teams return to Sage One in September, they will find essential work on our infrastructure has been completed. 

“These upgrades will mean the amazing live music that happens here will be better supported, giving a substantially improved experience for both performers and audiences.

“Over 20 years The Glasshouse has become a national landmark, and we’re determined to ensure it continues to shine brightly from the North East. 

“We’re not just maintaining a building – we’re protecting one of the UK’s great homes for live music, creative education, and artistic expression.”

Despite the extensive works, The Glasshouse has remained open throughout the summer, with live performances, events and community activities continuing across the venue while Sage One is temporarily closed.

Sage One is scheduled to reopen on September 19 for the start of the new classical season.

The first phase of the capital works programme has been supported by a range of public and private funders, including Anne Reece, the Garfield Weston Foundation, Joanna and Graham Barker, The Barbour Foundation, the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council, Arts Council England, The Shears Foundation, The Squires Foundation, Sir James Knott Trust and an anonymous donor.

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