Comment: Liverpool Bluecoat can rise again

May 14 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

THE news that the Bluecoat has been damaged in a fire is devastating for those who have thrown their heart and souls into this project.

It is just two months since the city’s oldest secular building threw open its School Lane doors to reveal a long-awaited redevelopment costing £12.5m.

The opening weekend saw more than 10,000 people visit the reborn arts centre and an amazing programme of events has been planned for the year.

Today, those who worked so hard to bring the Bluecoat back to such vibrant life must feel dismayed that fate has dealt this cruel blow.

But it could have been so much worse. Bluecoat chief executive Alastair Upton says 80% of the building has escaped the flames and has promised the gallery and arts centre will reopen soon.

Typically, Mr Upton has also found time amid the chaos of the day to praise fire fighters who worked tirelessly to limit the damage, confining it to the west wing of the kitchen.

He believes it is their efforts that will help the Bluecoat to open again very soon.

We should all wish the Bluecoat team well as they clear away the debris and go about restoring order to the premises.

This is a building that is so important to Liverpool, not just because of its history but also because of a future that promises so much.

It is a place where families can explore art together, where small businesses can find a foothold, and where artists can gain support and encouragement in their endeavours.

The Bluecoat is an immense asset to the city and something Liverpool should be very proud of.

In announcing their intention to bounce back from this setback and open their doors to the public again very soon, Bluecoat staff are displaying some very typical Scouse backbone.

The Liverpool Daily Post wishes them very well for the future.

We would also encourage all our readers to do the same – and to go and visit the Bluecoat once its doors are open to everyone once again.