Tag: Fringe Central

Scottish architecture and design studio appointed for refurbishment of Fringe Central

Studio LBA has been appointed as architect by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society for the refurbishment and creation of a multi-purpose space for the Fringe Society, Fringe artists and community partners.  

The Fringe Society is currently spread across three buildings in Edinburgh but their commitment to access for all, carbon reduction and the need for greater efficiency, means these offices are no longer fit for purpose and the charity requires a public-facing home that offers a welcome to the whole Fringe community.  

The complex conservation and development project will include the refurbishment of the category B-listed building on 6 Infirmary Street, in the Old Town of Edinburgh to create a multi-purpose space for the Fringe Central services and stories.  

The site on 6 Infirmary Street dates back to 1736 but updates to insulation, and accessibility such as the addition of air source heat pumps, accessible toilets, entrance ramp and internal lift are essential to align the building with modern day sustainability measures.

Works are also crucial in the charity’s ambition to make the Fringe a net zero carbon event by 2030.  

Studio LBA has a trusted reputation for delivering design-led, innovative and sustainable solutions across Scotland throughout its 12 years in business.  Its client base spans master-planning, placemaking, residential, hospitality, culture and conservation.  

Lynsay Bell Manson, managing director at Studio LBA, said: “We’ve worked on a number of specialist conservation projects and it is fantastic to be appointed by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society to play our part in restoring and modernising a historic building.   

“Our design approach is sensitive to the cherished history of the building, so our plans focus on preserving the existing character, whilst upgrading the building’s fabric and accessibility.  

“Given the net zero targets for Scotland we’ll be adopting a low energy approach to retrofitting the existing building using sustainable materials and adding more energy efficient solutions throughout. We’ll also maintain flexibility for the future in our design to ensure the space can adapt to the changing needs of the charity and the Fringe for years to come.”   

Shona McCarthy, chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, adds: “Through funding from the UK Government we’re delighted that we are able to move forward with the long-held ambition of a new, accessible home for the Fringe Society which will benefit artists, community partners and the Fringe through a range of enhanced services throughout the year.  

“We’re delighted to be working with Studio LBA on this project and can’t wait to open the doors to the new permanent Fringe Central later next year.” 

Alongside Studio LBA as the architect, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has appointed a design team of Thomas & Adamson as project manager, Montagu Evans as heritage consultant, Will Rudd Davidson as structural engineer and Wallace Whittle as mechanical and electrical engineer.  

Fringe Central moves to St James Quarter

Today, 28 June, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is delighted to announce a new space for Fringe Central at St James Quarter. Located in the heart of the city, the new Fringe Central hub will deliver a tailored programme of activity for artists, industry and media, led by the Fringe Society team during the festival.

Opening from Monday 01 August to Monday 29 August, from 10:00 to 18:00, Fringe Central will offer support on all aspects of participating in the Fringe, as well as practical services for those visiting the Fringe, such as access to computers, printing, and free Wi-Fi.

The Artist Support, Arts Industry, Artist Development and Media teams will be based within St James Quarter, each with a view to helping those coming to the Fringe navigate their visit, and to offer a space to anyone with questions or needing a break.

The much-anticipated Fringe Central Events Programme will also bring career-building opportunities, panel discussions and networking, as well as 1-2-1 mental health first aid appointments provided by Space to Breathe from 9th – 19th August.

Every event in the programme is free to registered Fringe participants, and the first batch of these is now available to browse and book on Fringe Connect (connect.edfringe.com), the Fringe Society’s online platform for artists and industry.

The programme will include highlights such as:

Pre-Fringe TikTok workshops (02 – 04 August)

  • Includes guidance on getting started on TikTok, content strategies and how to generate revenue through the app.

Tweet the Media (05 August)

  • 2021’s popular digital event Tweet the Media returns this year on 5 August. All registered Fringe acts will be invited to use a hashtag to pitch their shows via tweets to accredited media, who will monitor the hashtag in the same way they’d watch show pitches in person.

Meet the Media (06 August)

  • The highly anticipated return of this annual event, alongside Tweet the Media, in which Fringe participants can pitch in-person to media representatives, meet Fringe Society staff, learn more about the services provided and connect with peers while queuing for their pitching slot.

Disabled Practitioners Get Together (15 August)

  • Hosted by Birds of Paradise, this event seeks to provide an accessible space where disabled people working in theatre and performance can meet, talk and connect with each other.

Practical approaches to truly diverse casting (22 August)

  • This panel discussion with Backstage and industry experts will provide   practical approaches to enable participants to cast in a truly diverse and authentic way.

The Fringe Fair (22 August)

  • An opportunity to meet key organisations such as membership bodies, festivals, training providers and agencies, in the format of a career fair.

Fringe Swap Shop (27 – 29 August)

  • Three days at the end of the Fringe during which participants can swap   unwanted props, useable furniture, costumes and anything else recyclable from their shows.

Commenting on this year’s Fringe Central programme, Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “I’m delighted that Fringe Central will be at home on the ground floor of St James Quarter this year, a blossoming district for locals and visitors. 

“Our Fringe Central team will support artists in maximising their time at the Fringe; and our range of workshops, events and wellbeing initiatives will ensure they receive the right support, at every step of their Fringe journey. 

“In addition, our media team will offer support to reviewers, critics, print and broadcast media offering them a warm welcome to the Fringe in our 75th anniversary year. A home from home for anyone who wants to learn more about the phenomenon that is the Edinburgh Fringe. 

“We’re excited to be working with the St James Quarter team, who are also supporting our expanded Street Events programme, and our new partnership with TikTok.”

Nick Peel, Managing Director at the St James Quarter, said: “St James Quarter is a welcoming lifestyle hub for art, culture and fashion and we’re passionate about supporting Edinburgh’s world-renowned cultural offering and its vibrant events calendar.

“We have a plethora of exciting events coming this summer and we’re delighted to be partnering with Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society to get the show on the road.”

Roddy Smith, Chief Executive at Essential Edinburgh, said: ‘’We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Fringe Society and St James Quarter.

“The new Fringe Central venue will complement the significant Fringe presence throughout the New Town ensuring we have a thriving and vibrant area during August, welcoming residents and visitors to our wonderful city centre.”