The Baltic centre

[Paul Clerkin]

The Baltic centre opens at last. Can an "art factory" revive Britain’s post-industrial North-East?

For anyone who knew Gateshead and Newcastle, twin gatekeepers of the Tyne, in the days when they were industrial rather than post-industrial cities, the picture they present today is an extraordinary transformation. Most impressive of all is Baltic, which at £46m is the biggest contemporary art centre outside London. Back in the 1970s, they’d have hit you if you’d suggested anything so fancy would ever appear on the quayside.

http://www.hughpearman.com/articles3/baltic.html

[Paul Clerkin]

Tyneside's £46m Baltic contemporary arts centre has sprung a leak.
Less than 10 days after the prestigious arts complex opened its doors, visitors are being greeted with buckets because of a leaky roof.

The Baltic has already suffered problems with its fire alarm system, which has led to evacuations.

Officials say they hope to plug the leak in the centre's ornate glass roof soon.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/uk/england/newsid_2143000/2143747.stm