We are delighted that the Depot Cinema, Lewes has been recognised at the Sussex Heritage Awards in two categories.
The community cinema, designed by Burrell Foley Fischer and opened in May this year, was given a Public and Community Award. The venue has three screens housed within the envelope of the former Harveys Brewery Depot building, and the box office, cafe bar, restaurant and film education room within a new glazed extension.
In addition, a Building Crafts Award was given to the The Flintman Company for their work on the building. A combination of random knapped flint with knapped flint quoins and coursed knapped flint, for the walls and roof to the education room, and to the entrance aedicule forms an important part of the contextual design for the venue, rooting it through craft traditions, in its locality.
The Design Officer at the South Downs National Park Authority described it “as an exemplar to illustrate how good design can rise to the challenge of a National Park context”.
The judges commented, "The Depot Cinema has re-used a redundant warehouse and extended it to create a new townscape and community amenity performing functions far beyond the cinematic experience. The financial commitment was high and has enabled a completed project of exceptional attention to detail in every respect. The architect and the Depot team are responsible for a stunning new gateway into Lewes."
Read more about the Depot here.
