Award for Howden Park Centre

Nov 26 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

Award for Howden Park Centre

ONE of West Lothian’s most popular venues has been named as a star attraction.

Howden Park Centre in Livingston has been named as the county’s newest four-star visitor attraction.

The accolade of “Scottish Tourist Board four- star arts venue” was awarded by Visit Scotland following a detailed inspection of the recently- refurbished centre in Livingston by a Quality Advisor.

Howden Park Centre re-opened in June this year following extensive redevelopment.

Designed by award-winning architects Nicoll Russell Studios, the new building features a stunning 296-seat auditorium for performances, a stylish bistro, gallery and multi-function spaces available for hire.

Acknowledging the need to consolidate directional signs to the building and continue to develop the landscaping, the inspector commended its “truly excellent standards” of design, decor and maintenance as well as the broad range of events in the arts programme and the quality of the promotional brochure.

He also gave it the highest award for levels of accessibility throughout the building.

Pictured with the award are Colin Hutcheon, West Lothian Council’s Arts Services Manager, proud Howden Park Centre staff and executive councillor for culture and leisure, Jim Walker.