Ash, Snow Patrol + more campaign for Belfast music centre

The intended venue for the project, entitled Oh Yeah, is a former bonded whiskey warehouse in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, Belfast’s booming cultural district. It measures 14, 500 square feet over three floors and will soon be home to rehearsal rooms, a recording studio, performance space, a café and office units to incubate new music businesses.

Gary Lightbody helped to kick-start the process during a visit home in December 2005 and continues to support the project. He says: “What the Patrol would have given for the advice of professionals; the space to rehearse or cut demos; a place to hang out and listen to music and meet people that might one day change your life.
“What is needed is a nexus to focus musical energy into and to unite the Belfast music scene in a way that has been elusive until now. It is staggering how simple music is when you boil it down: people, together.”
The scheme has been driven in Belfast by a group including Stuart Bailie (pictured), former Assistant Editor of NME and BBC radio presenter.
Tim Wheeler from Ash issued the following message of support: “I think this is a fantastic, long-overdue idea for Belfast. The music scene in Belfast needs a hub like this. It has a wealth of musical talent, but talent needs the right conditions to grow and develop. The music centre would be a great place for this to start. I've known Stuart Bailie for over ten years, he has a massive inside knowledge of the music industry, all the right contacts and is the perfect person to carry this idea out.”
The team expects to be installed in the building in February 2007. An ambitious renovation schedule is planned, to include a new roof and rewiring, disability access and a suitable lift, plus the installation of rehearsal space and the recording studio.
A meeting with the Northern Ireland Secretary Of State, Peter Hain, was highly positive, and Oh Yeah is now in discussion with various funding bodies.
A number of music-related businesses have already expressed an interest in taking up space in the building. The Oh Yeah team is already talking to potential sponsors and media partners.