31/07/2023
Reconnect are delighted to finally be able to announce that we are taking over operational responsibility for the Howden Park Centre on the 1st of September 2023. The initial contract is for a seven-month period to allow time for a full business plan to be developed and approved for the future of the HPC.
We are grateful for the overwhelming support shown to our bid during this time from local groups, organisations and individuals as well as across all political parties. The effort made by the Hands of Howden Park movement was quite incredible.
We would like to thank West Lothian Council and Creative Scotland for granting us this opportunity to keep the much-loved venue open and sharing it's amazing gifts, itβs a home from home to so many and a base of operations for some incredible organisations like Firefly, Livingston Art Association, ArtLink and many more.
Reconnect hope to support and work with all of these organisations to ensure that the people of West Lothian have ongoing and expanding access to a range of arts services, not just at the HPC or the Regal but across the region.
Reconnect want to reassure everyone that all contracts in place will be honoured and all planned events will be able to go ahead. We will be taking bookings for beyond the seven-month period, as, one way or another, the HPC will not be closing or stop being the amazing arts and cultural centre that it is.
We will be holding a public meeting and offering private appointments so that anyone can come and chat to us about our short-term and long-term plans.
We are delighted to have the existing venue staff joining us so we can all shape the future of arts in West Lothian as a community, together.
The success of the venue depends on one major thing. And that is all of you. So help us to help your families, your friends and your neighbours by coming along. See a show, take a class, come to the bistro, yes thatβs right the bistro will be reopening and operated by The Larder, an amazing community-focused organisation who provide incredible training and excellent food.
Reconnect are rebranding to Reconnect Theatres for our venues, tours and community activity. We hope to see you all soon. And again, Thank you to everyone who has helped make this a possibility.
Pete Sneddon
Creative Director
Reconnect Theatres