Venue Information
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VENUE INFORMATION |
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The Horsebridge Centre, The Horsebridge Arts and Community Centre is located in the heart of Whitstable, Kent. The Centre was set up to provide a social, cultural and learning resource of high quality that is excellent value and accessible to all. The Centre is open 7 days a week Monday - Thursday 9am - 9pm (10am - 6pm Bank Holidays) Friday & Saturday 9am - 6pm (and from 7pm for Performances) Sunday 10am - 6pm (10am - 5pm winter hours) The Galleries close at 6pm daily |
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FACILITIES
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| As well as our galleries and performance space we have a number of smaller meeting rooms and workshop spaces, many with spectacular views, all of which are available to hire at very reasonable rates. Many individuals and groups have already discovered that the Horsebridge is a convenient, friendly place to hold a meeting, run a class or have a party! As well as the attraction of our individual rooms, the atmosphere in the Centre is one which draws people back time and again. The Horsebridge staff are always ready to help and respond to requests and suggestions, providing a welcome for the youngest visitor to the oldest. All areas of the Centre are fully accessible to buggies or wheelchairs, including our in-house café, Chives | |
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CAFE
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Lavazza coffee, sandwiches, pannini, pasta dishes, cakes, pastries and fresh juices are just some of the delights on offer in Chives Cafe. Chives is open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday (last orders 4.30pm), 10am - 5pm Sundays and bank holidays and Saturdays 9am - 6pm (last orders 5.30pm), and is fully licensed. Chives also operate a bar for all evening events and performances. |
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ADULT EDUCATION
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Kent County Council run the largest adult education service in Britain with over 90,000 enrolments each year. They offer a number of courses at the Horsebridge, and throughout Kent. For full details, visit their website. |
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HISTORY
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The Horsebridge area has played a key part in the varied history of Whitstable. The name itself comes from the jetty used by the horses taking the catch from the boats. Later, the first railway in Kent, the “Crab and Winkle”,took the place of the horses.
Whitstable has a long tradition of community and cultural activity including community and arts groups operating on the Horsebridge site itself. Canterbury City Council was committed to a building that reflects this activity and seeking to create a focal point for the town. The project was a public / private sector partnership between Canterbury City Council, who owned the land, and the local developer Banbury Estates. Four schemes for the re-development of the Horsebridge site were shortlisted and were featured in a public exhibition in April 2000. Over 600 comments were received from local people with 62% favouring an “upturned boat” design submitted by architects Clague. The Centre opened to the public on Saturday 10 April 2004, and is run as a Company Limited by Guarantee and with Charitable status. |
