News Item (17-12-2008)

New funds for Pegasus will not go to waste

The Pegasus Theatre Building the Future campaign can boast another success. The latest contribution is going towards improving the environmental profile of the new venue.

Biffaward, a multi-million pound environment fund which utilises landfill tax credits donated by Biffa Waste Services, is helping The Pegasus Theatre achieve its improved energy profile with a grant of £50,000. This will specifically fund the installation of a low energy, natural air-cooling and circulation system in the new venue.

The aim of Biffaward is to support projects that will be of lasting environmental benefit, improve quality of life and foster "vibrant communities". Its aim chimes with those of the Pegasus redevelopment programme and its architects Feilden Clegg Bradley (FCB) Studios who are recent winners of the RIBA Stirling prize 2008 for Accordia - a mixed housing development in Cambridge. FCB Studios have been working with the theatre with the joint aim of creating a building that will become a world-class venue for young people.

The Pegasus Theatre will start work on its new building in May 2009. The building will incorporate a number of low energy systems making it far more efficient and lessening its environmental impact.

Pegasus Project Director, Simon Daykin, has been working with the design team throughout the process, closely considering all aspects of building management in order to reduce energy usage and increase sustainability.

"We are working with the best possible designers and architects on this project. From day one we have been very conscious of making sure we put as much thought and planning into sustainability as into the bricks and mortar of the building itself. The Biffaward grant is excellent news and makes sure we can put some of the good ideas our designers have brought to us, into practice."

Gillian French, Biffaward's Programme Manager, says "Biffaward is delighted to support this project in Oxford, which will help bring a lasting environmental benefit. Young people for generations to come will benefit from this sustainable local resource. We wish the project every success."

For more information on The Pegasus Theatre please visit www.pegasustheatre.org.uk