Corby Cube
Project Description
Corby Cube is a £30 million structure with public open space in the centre of Corby. Begun in January 2008 and due for completion in September 2010 and to open in November, the Cube’s striking mirrored glass exterior makes it an iconic building in the town centre.
As well as housing the Council’s offices, chamber and the Council’s One Stop Shop – Corby Cube will also include a 445 seat flexible theatre space, a library, bistro and roof top garden.
Aims and Objectives
Corby Cube is designed to be a key hub of cultural and leisure activity at the centre of the town. As well as being a new civic building, the Cube project includes developing high quality public open space with the vicinity benefiting from the multi-million pound regeneration.
The Cube is aimed at fulfilling a number of objectives, key to the regeneration of the town centre and in support of the Borough’s ambitious population expansion plans. The iconic design not only efficiently houses the services outlined above, but does so in a way which:
- Lifts the standard of the built environment
- Provides an exemplar of design excellence
- Activates town centre public open space
- Regenerates an area of derelict land
Project Duration
Building work on the theatre began in May 2003, was completed in January 2004, and the garden finished a year later.
Project Start Date and End Date
Start of build programme: January 2008
Forecast end build programme: September 2010
Services Offered
Corby Cube is both a civic centre and a venue for public In terms of its Council function, the Cube is home to:
- Council One stop including all council ‘face to face’ services
- Council Cashiers
- Community Police
- Registrar Service
- Elected Members facilities
- Council Chamber – which will also be available as a Wedding Room
The Cube also includes:
- Public Library
- Theatre in Partnership with Royal and Dernegate
- Rooftop Garden
Success Factors
When in its design phased, Corby Cube was runner-up to the Beijing Olympic Swimming Pool in the 2007 LEAF Awards for the Best Public Building Design of the Year.
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) awarded the Cube a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’, making it the only theatre in the UK to receive this top level. BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) sets the standard for best practice in sustainable design of new and existing buildings.
The successes have come from effective partnership working between the North Northants Development Company (NNDC),the funding partners lead by CBC. The project has been well supported by the Council’s main political groups.
Risk factors
The Cube is an innovative building – and inevitably innovation brings risk. As the project has developed, there has been a growth in capital cost requiring further council funding.
Business/operational model
Facilities Management Strategies are currently being developed ready for implementation when the Cube opens in 20
Financing and Funding Arrangements
The Corby Cube has been funded by Corby Borough Council, East Midlands Development Agency, the Department of Communities and Local Government, the Homes and Communities Agency and Northamptonshire County Council, working together in partnership with the North Northants Development Company (NNDC).
Measurement and Monitoring
The Project Board includes all funding partners and receives regular reports on cost, programme and quality as the development progresses. Dedicated Corby Borough Council staff lead the project.
Future developments
Corby Cube is due to open to the public in November 2010.
The Cube is on the Parkland Gateway, and work with the project Partners continues to develop the overall regeneration programme in line with the masterplan. For example, Corby Borough Council and the Royal and Derngate are forming a trust to manage the Theatre facilities and secure diverse community driven theatre.
