One of Gravesend’s most historic riverside arts venues reopens this summer, in partnership with the local brewery that takes its name from an equally historic neighbour.
St Andrew’s Arts Centre has its home in the former Mission Church on Royal Pier Road, built in 1871.
From next month (June), Gravesham’s Iron Pier Brewery, named after neighbouring Town Pier, the world’s oldest surviving cast iron pier, will be taking on the running of the centre, and are working with Gravesham Borough Council to develop a programme of exhibitions, events and activities.
The centre will also be home to a small café which will, of course, include Iron Pier beers on the menu.
The pop-up follows on from the Fourth Portal’s residency at St Andrew’s over the last two summers, which transformed the building into a space where local residents of all ages met to discuss art, technology and the town’s history, with live performances, talks and workshops.
Welcoming the new centre operators, Cllr Deborah Croxton, Gravesham Borough Council’s cabinet member for community and leisure said: “St Andrew’s embodies Gravesend’s connection with the Thames – apart from the town’s piers, you could not find somewhere closer to the river to showcase the borough’s creativity.
“I am especially delighted such a local success story as Iron Pier brewery have agreed to take on the centre and are working with us to develop what I know will be a truly exciting arts and events programme. I know they will help turn St Andrew’s into one of the town’s must visit locations.”
Iron Pier said: “We are thrilled to be taking on this exciting opportunity.
“It will allow us to develop further into our local community and continue to promote local art and culture, as we have previously.
“It will be great for us to have a presence in Gravesend and especially by the river which has been an inspiration for us and our brand.”
Confirmed opening times and events for St Andrew’s will be shared in the coming weeks.