peeriebryan

^ I'm sure Bryan has already been advised of all my faults by some of my relatives.

 

@ Bryan: We'll just have to agree to disagree on this one too, and see what happens.....but hat aff ta you for putting head above parapet on this thread eenoo, brave man.

I actually have nae idea whaa du is Ghostrider!

 

I'm happy to agree to disagree (although I'm not sure what we're disagreeing about!). And I'm more thick skinned than I am brave (or should that just be 'thick')

When is the 'hard' opening expected?

We expect everything to be fully operational by October. There will be regular events and film screenings before then though. Shetland Arts only 'got the keys' a couple of weeks ago and the contractors are still snagging, so the handover process is ongoing.

 

I completely understand that folk are keen to know an 'opening date' (believe me, I'm asked that countless times every day!) but each space has different requirements before it's ready for use. For example, the foyer has to be complete before the public can enter, but film screenings won't be affected if the recording studio, rehearsal facilities and/or education spaces aren't fully operational. Hence why we're trying to avoid being drawn into announcing an 'opening date'.

 

There's still a lot to do, including installing, testing, tweaking and commissioning equipment, staff training and familiarisation, fitting out he cafe bar etc etc. But everyone is doing their best to get the building open ASAP.

 

Rest assured, we'll let you know when we're ready for you

 

How's the fundraising for equipment coming on?

Most of the equipment is already on site and currently being fitted by our technicians. I'd like to take my hat off to them for the massive effort they're currently putting in.

 

All staff in place then?

Yes.

^ I think locking the thread may be a little heavy handed, but with my moderators hat on I kindly request that we move on from the parking debate.

 

I can only assure everyone that Planning, Roads and all the other relevant agencies have looked very closely at all aspects of Mareel, including traffic and parking. Scenarios have been planned, regulations met, risks assessed etc.

 

The basis of the parking issue is that whilst Mareel's onsite parking area is relatively small there are many other parking spaces available within a short distance (well into the 100s, as Muppet has exemplified) which are relatively quiet during Mareel's peak usage times. I'm not sure there's much more I can add.

Quick update: DITT are in the process of handing over the building to Shetland Arts at the moment - we've been getting access to certain areas over the past couple of weeks to start fitting out the cinema and PA, and DITT are well into the snagging list.

 

There's no definitive opening date yet as there's still a lot of fitting out and commissioning to do, but we're on the home straights.

Sorry, Bryan, but I'm not going to go away.

I should hope not! Mr Rider, specs are specs and we could back and forth all day about them. I simply don't have all the info you're asking for to hand. You can keep asking me and I'll keep not having the info! Best thing to do is come and have a listen.

 

If you and Unlinkedstudent do feel the need for me to pursue this, email me a concise list of questions and I'll forward it on to those in the know. No promises mind....

 

And no, there isn't a bridge.

 

But never mind the specs - I'll come down to the Ness and pick you up some day and we'll fire up the PA one Mareel is open. I'll plug in my bass and plunk her until I get your beer to dirl! If there is no dirlage, I'll buy you, your better half and Dratsy a round. If there is dirlage, you, ULinked and Dratsy owe me a Highland Park

"Education is intrinsic to the operation of Mareel and will give students the opportunity of learning in a 'real world' working venue - that is one of the most important aspects of the building."

 

A real world venue with not a single person working in it who has worked in this "real world". Great learning experience eh!!!!

Come on Southham - that's a horrible peerie comment that we both know not to be true. Dear me min!

Bryan Shetland box office sells tickets for various events organised by various promoters but when that promoter is Shetland arts then folks struggle to get tickets, how much plainer language do you need Bryan. any event put on by Shetland arts should be as inclusive as possible of all the folk in Shetland as it is all the folk in Shetland that are subsidising the event and your wages.

And just why did Bill Bailey decide to promote his visit next month himself and cut Shetland arts from the picture, was he unhappy with the way things were handled last time?

You've been making these unspecified allegations about Shetland Arts and ticketing for several weeks now and the only example you eventually provide isn't even factually correct - the first Bill Bailey event was promoted by his management directly through the Box Office, as is the upcoming event.

 

"when that promoter is Shetland arts then folks struggle to get tickets, how much plainer language do you need Bryan." You seem to be making allegations that there is a problem endemic to Shetland Arts. Can you provide some examples of actual Shetland Arts events that folk struggle to get tickets for??

 

Regarding inclusivity, I hope that the Box Office is a fair way for folk all over Shetland to get tickets, via phone, online or in person at Islesburgh. It would be great if tickets could be sold in person at outlets throughout Shetland but the logistics and cost of doing so are prohibitive at the moment. If you have any suggestions on how the Box Office service could be improved your comments will be taken on-board.

 

Despite my polite request, you've yet again you've chosen to make things personal by bringing my wages into the discussion on a point which isn't even accurate. If you have a problem with me and/or my wages, I suggest you take it up with my management and/or Shetland Arts' board.

But is it not true that many of the more well known groups prefer to bring their own rig and amps? Are you saying (As I don't want to assume incorrectly) that this would not be permitted?

Again, some do, some don't. Visiting bands are more than welcome to take whatever equipment they want but it adds an extra level of logistics to transport it up. The PA and backline (amps etc) is all 'rider friendly' (most groups send a list of equipment they require - the technical rider) so in most instances it wouldn't be necessary.

 

If I may digress, you suggested I contacted DITT to ascertain the specifics concerning materials. Given the alleged ding dongs between the two parties, I really can't see them divulging such information without the permission of their Employer, namely the owners of the Mareel, as wouldn't they, as Main Contractor, be breaking confidentiality by doing so? If, however, you are prepared to write to DITT and I stating that permission has been granted, I'll happily contact them.

Sorry Unlinkedstudent, and with the greatest respect, but I won't be doing that - everyone is flat out at the moment and I don't think it appropriate for me to make such a request to DITT and add to their workload to satisfy your curiosity.

 

I'm not all 'doom and gloom', however. I note with interest that the flooring is Junckers but without knowing all the info, don't know which type. Whilst it is true that Junckers do sell flooring that can limit sound transferrence, I can't help but wonder as to whether or not the flooring continues up the side of the stage and under it. Isn't the insides of the stage somewhat of a void area where noise/vibration could escape from?

The stage is inside an acoustically isolated room so it is largely irrelevant, in terms of sound isolation, whether sound escapes from the stage.

 

It is, of course, good news that the Mareel will be running some groups for youngsters and those on courses at the college. However, what were the numbers per class again please?

At this stage we expect 12 to 14 per full time course. Degree students will be spread across the UHI network so numbers will depend on the location of students who are accepted. Numbers for training courses such as Pro Tools 101 will be around 6 to 8. For informal activities, numbers will vary according to the type of activity. For example, activities that require one-to-one attention will have lower numbers, youth gigs will have higher numbers. In short, it depends on the activity.

 

SP mentioned the bridge. Is this walkway bridge going ahead? Is my understanding correct that people arriving in cars will be expected to enter the Mareel via the walkway as opposed to just crossing the car park/road (Forgive me, a while since I've looked at the photographs/illustrations)?

I'm afraid I'm not sure I follow what you mean about a bridge.

 

Cheers for answering the question regarding the cloakroom - how many coats can it hold?

It depends on the size of the individual coats

I'm somewhat taken aback with your comment re your sound technicians controlling the volume - is it not the case that bands usually have their own sound (wo)man?

Some do, some don't. But it's standard practice for visiting sound engineers to work in conjunction with an in-house engineer who is familiar with the rig.

 

As for tickets same artist 2 years apart no bother getting tickets when he promoted himself (I wonder why he did that) no chance when promoted by Shetland arts. maybe he's just not that popular now.

Which artist are you talking about? As I've already said, Shetland Arts doesn't sell tickets, tickets are sold through the Shetland Box Office - a service used by many other local groups, festivals and promoters. You've made several similar inferences in this and another thread, I've asked you what your problem seems to be and you haven't given a straight answer. So, again, what's the issue with Shetland Arts and ticketing? Lets get to the bottom of it we can sort out any problem.

 

But bryan we are going to have to agree to disagree and whether you like it or not you will be buying me a pint with your redundancy when mareel goes to the council with the begging bowl.

I won't be agreeing with points which are factually wrong. And don't hold your breath waiting for me to buy you a pint. It's bad craic that you've chosen to take the discussion to a personal level from behind your anonymous username (including insinuations about the integrity of me and my colleagues, insults, wishing us to loose our jobs, judgements on my personality and musical ability (even though complimentary!), misrepresenting my posts here....). I'm happy to discuss Mareel with anyone and I spend a lot of my free time doing so, but it's pretty poor show to be getting personal and I kindly request that you stick to the facts.

 

Apologies if you've answered this before Bryan, but are there any thoughts of having an "unlimited" card for the cinema?

Yes, there will be.

 

If/when Mareel goes ahead, why don't they incorporate free 'jam' sessions for youngsters at weekends, with volunteers guiding and tutoring them. This could show Mareel's commitment to the young musicians and entertainers, connect with the community and possibly appear less elitist.

There will be plenty of activities like the ones you mentioned keetiebairdie - getting the young folk involved is at the top of the list!

 

Mareel might very well mean the death of this rich musical heritage and make our musical culture just as bland as any big metropolis.

I think you'll have to explain your point as you've lost me. A building with a concert hall, recording studio, rehearsal areas and a range of music education spaces destroying our musical heritage?? And do you really believe that all big cities have bland musical cultures?!

 

Funny thing is I have discussed this topic with a fair few local musicians and only 2 have said mareel is a good idea, so just who the hell are we building it for.

I speak to a lot of musicians and concert audiences in my line of work and it seems to me that the majority are in favour, but some are indeed sceptical. I haven't met many younger musicians and audience members at youth gigs who aren't in favour so I guess it depends on who you talk to.

 

As I mentioned before, many of the people I speak to who are against Mareel have based their opinion on false information and inaccurate rumours. I'm by no means saying everybody should be in favour - I completely understand the point of view of many detractors - but I think it's a real shame that there's so much misinformation and doom-mongering doing the rounds.

 

Oh but thats right if it was at the school then every one working there would need a police records check that was the excuse made when it was brought up before, but seemingly they can work with kids at mareel without a police records check amazing that.

Do you have a reference for that claim Dratsy as I'm not sure what your point is? Do you mean the Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme / Disclosure check?

 

A lot of consideration went into the possibility of combining Mareel's facilities into the school but ultimately it was decided the cons out-numbered the pros - some of the reasoning was outlined by Fatal Paper Cut above ^

 

As a general point on the educational aspects of Mareel, the facilities are geared up for FE/HE education, industry certified training, creative industry apprenticeships, introductory courses etc. Just because a building has educational aspects doesn't mean it should be part of a school. And there's a difference between schools and colleges for good reason. For example, the main recording studio is of a professional standard and equipped with a Pro Tools HD system and high end microphones beyond the requirements of day-to-day secondary educational needs (and there will be a high enough demand from other users anyway). Most schools have basic recording facilities and Mareel will be a step up for pupils who wish to take modules specialising music technology (such as the Vocational Pathways programme) or progress to higher education.

 

Mareel will be hosting several courses including an NC Music and HNC Music in partnership with Shetland College UHI (with a degree level course in the pipeline), a range of evening classes in partnership with SIC Adult Learning and industry certified training in partnership with companies including Avid, manufacturers of the Pro Tools music production system. There will also be a range of more informal courses and activities so hopefully there will be something to suit most folk with an interest in music

 

Education is intrinsic to the operation of Mareel and will give students the opportunity of learning in a 'real world' working venue - that is one of the most important aspects of the building.

...and still waiting fur a definative price fur an adult ticket? (bryans avoiding my simple question)

I'm not avoiding anything - I'm more than happy to answer questions here, and the answer is that ticket prices will vary! (time of day, day of the week, new release or 'back catalogue', concessions for kids / OAPs / unemployed etc). I don't know the full pricing structure off the top of my head (I'm the music development officer - I don't programme the cinema) and I'm on holiday so if you want more info give the office a call - 01595 743 843

 

Buy the pa lights etc and install them in the clickimin one off cost

The Clickimin is a sports centre. To put on a gig it takes a crew of technicians most of a day to erect a stage, assemble a stage barrier, hang and focus lights, set up the PA (it's hired from the mainland as it isn't cost effective to buy, store and maintain a PA of the size required for occasional use in the Clickimin) and the main hall is closed for use as a sports centre for most of a day. Aditionally, if the concert is in the Bowls Hall the floor has to be covered. The costs runs into thousands, and the acoustics are less than ideal. If you don't believe me on any of these points (you stated earlier that my colleagues and I 'spoot helliry') then ask one of the other local promoters, SRT staff or freelance technicians.

 

A month would of seen the garison seats and a projector and screen installed.

The Garrison does have seats, a projector and screen. The point of Mareel's cinema is that it will be available to show a varied programme of films throughout the year therefore catering for a much wider audience, rather than a limited number of films for a limited number of days per year. The evidence gathered over the years (the first steering group set up to campaign for a cinema was established in 1996) indicates that there is sufficient demand for such a facility. Also, retrofitting a listed proscenium theatre that has a fairly flat seating rake to have facilities comparable to a modern cinema is very expensive. All these factors were investigated at length before plans for Mareel were drawn up.

 

As for tickets I have never been able to get a ticket for any gig put on by Shetland arts and I don't know many folk that have either, but low and behold when the artist puts the tickets on sale them self then not only do I get a ticket but every one I know that tried for a ticket gets one too. make of that what you will.

All Shetland Arts events' tickets are sold through the Shetland Box Office - online and at Islesburgh reception. All events are advertised in the local media, posters and via several online channels. Shetland Arts or Box Office staff don't get discounts or preferential booking and have to buy tickets the same as everyone else. I'm vexed you and folk you know can 'never' get tickets for Shetland Arts events, but I guess that since these events must all be sold out then that bodes well for Mareel!

 

Well, I can think of something you can add - simply get the details of the soundproofing materials used and I'll contact manufacturers and then at least I'll know what to what level the said materials are effective to in order to prevent sound transferrence.

 

Your Site Manager will, no doubt, be able to provide this information to you. Likewise, your somewhat 'silent' acoustic consultants should be able to provide you with information regarding a volume output limiter.

Shetland Arts don't have a site manager, DITT do. If you want specifics on the materials used then I humbly suggest you contact DITT. And there won't be an automatic volume output limiter - our sound technicians are more than capable of controlling the volume.

 

With the greatest of respect Unlinkedstudent, I don't see the relevance of all this. The place is nearly finished, the soundproofing is in-situ already and, to be quite frank, folk are busy with other things as the opening approaches. You're asking some very detailed questions regarding the properties of materials that I don't have the answers to, and I don't think finding them out and posting them here is an appropriate use of my, or the contractors, time at this stage.

 

We've been through all this a couple of months ago, so forgive me if I refer you back to our previous correspondence.

 

You could also answer the question regarding the cloakroom though.

Yes, there is a cloakroom. It's to the right of the foyer.

So I guess installing a digital projector in the garison was completely out of the question on technical grounds the same with comfier seats.

Yes, it has been considered at length, along with fitting a suitable sound system. The Garrison is a busy community theatre used regularly by a wide variety of groups and organisations. Films are only shown there for 4 days per month as a stop-gap until Mareel opens so investing in state of the art equipment to be used fairly seldom isn't viable.

 

Any big act that will fill the mareel will make a loss because it will only hold the brucks of 600 folk, to have any chance of break even they will have to use the clickimin.

This point has been addressed countless times in this thread. Basically hiring the Clickimin and kitting it out with staging, PA, lights etc makes it too expensive for most gigs. The Clickimin will still be used for events which require the extra capacity

 

and if anyone outside the arts trust cleek want a ticket then the act will have to arrange sale of their themselves just like a certain comedian coming up next month.

Is this some sort of accusation of preferential ticket allocation by Shetland Arts staff Dratsy?

 

@unlinkedstudent - I refer you back to our previous correspondence in this thread. I can't really think of anything else to add! Site visits have been reduced lately as we head towards completion, but I haven't forgotten about you! At this stage it's probably worth a tour when it's complete rather than tripping over joiners and sparkies.

 

I'm sure you mean 5 or 6 people required to watch a film for Mareel to 'hit the break even point', I'm just struggling to comprehend how that can be

The point I was trying to make is that once overheads have been reduced, the main costs for a screening to break even boil down to licensing the rights to show the film which, depending on the film, can be relatively inexpensive - others, particularly first release 'blockbusters' are considerably more expensive. However, it isn't as simple as a single screening breaking even for the whole building to break even - as a multi-purpose building staffing costs, electricity etc etc and incomes are shared across the board (cafe income, charges for education spaces, rehearsal rooms, recording studio, both cinema screens, main concert auditorium etc).

 

The reason I was reluctant to give a specific number is I knew someone would extrapolate and come up with some nonsensical results, which was indeed the case.

 

Bryan, this is completely and utterly wrong, and you ought to be ashamed of yourself! It should be 'far fewer audience members', not 'far less'.

My apologies to you and your colleagues at the Grammar Police

 

lets take your high estimate of 6 folk per screening brian and factor the build cost at £12 million (low estimate)

£12,000,000/6=£2,000,000

so before any running costs are taken into account it will take 400,000 screening at £5/head to break even or 200,000 screenings at £10/head or 100,000 screenings at £20/head.

Are you with me so far Brian because I'm sure as hell not with you on this.

And this is why your business plan is at best a fantasy.

Now lets factor in the cost of the actual movie I've no bloody idea what that will be but lets be generous to you and say the movie costs a £1000 to screen (please correct me on this figure if I'm wrong so we can adjust the calculations)

then there is the cost of electric but hey maybe you have done a deal with VE to get that for free then there is staffing costs, rates, wear and tear etc

so at £20/head and a £1000 per film you need 50 folk just to cover the cost of the film with out any other cost being taken into account.

your a nice guy and a fairly good musician but for gods sake there is not one person in the arts trust that I TRUST to run any kind of business, and your post proves this point quite well.

Erm, my post didn't say that 6 folk per screening was an estimate or average, it was an example of how few paying customers can be required at some screenings for the screening to pay for itself. As mentioned above, there will be a range of different screenings of different films on both screens on any given day, together with the range of other activities going on in the building. And as MuckleJoannie pointed out, the capital doesn't have to be repaid.

 

If I was cynical I might think that you'd deliberately taken my post out of context in order to perpetuate your Mareel bashing. Luckily I'm not a cynical person

 

Da money fae sooth might no matter but da money fae da cooncil wida been better spent keeping da schools open or dus du disagree we dat.

The money for Mareel being used to keep schools open is a regularly raised point and I completely understand the sentiment. However, the SIC's education revenue budget had to be reduced so any capital injection would only be a short term measure to further delay revenue cuts.

 

@ Neon Lights - the prices for cinema screenings will indeed be broadly comparable to 'sooth' cinemas.

 

@ Ghostrider - I appreciate your points, and we've covered similar ground a couple of months back. As you say, "any debate has become largely academic", however, I think there's been a considerable amount of information made available - examples include regular updates in the media and Shetland Arts website / social media channels, a FAQ leaflet included in the Shetland Times, regular meetings where people can come and ask questions and voice concerns, Shetland Arts staff went 'on tour' around community halls a few years back to consult with folk, staff have given talks at various meetings/conferences, and staff are always more than happy to answer questions.... in fact, I can't think of a comparable building where so much information has been made available or opportunities presented for folk to get in touch and I'm not sure what else could have been done given the pressures on staff time and resources. I understand that you're interested in some more specific points and I'll continue to do my best to answer your questions.

 

As a general point, in my experience much of the negativity has come from persistent rumours (some laughable, some concerning and some defamatory!) which were not attributable to a lack of information - some folk just seem to want to make things up, exaggerate and moan. Many detractors have based their opinion on falsehoods and rarely wish to engage in facts (I know this from experience - I've had many a discussion on the street / pub / country shop where folk present a series of rumours or opinions as facts, I point out the actual fact(s) and they choose to ignore it because it doesn't suit them or they're against the idea of Mareel and/or Shetland Arts in principle). I completely understand that many folk think the money could have been put to better use, but to perpetuate rumours and groundless negativity is extremely counter productive.

 

I hope folk, particularly the detractors, will come to Mareel with an open mind and judge the building and events on merit. All it needs to be successful is for folk to come and use it!

YESSSS!!!!!! dats exactly whit am sayin!! how da hell are yu goin to recoupe any losses when da garrison cant even be filled!!!??? da mareel is going to cost each person waaaay more den whit da garrison charges! can nobody see dat logic?? da mareel should nivir hae been started in da first place!!!

 

Firstly, there seems to be a misconception that a cinema needs to be operating at or near capacity to be viable - that's simply not the case.

 

To cut a long story short, Mareel will require far less audience members per screening than the Garrison to hit the break even point (I'm reluctant to give a figure as there are several factors involved, but in many cases it'll be in the region of 5 or 6).

 

The Garrison has to be turned into a cinema every month - technicians have to set up the screen, sound system and projector. Mareel won't have these regular overheads as it is a permanent install.

 

The Garrison uses 'traditional' opto-mechanical technology - large, heavy and costly to operate and maintain. Mareel will use digital projectors - far cheaper all round.

 

The Garrison uses reels of film - expensive, delicate and cumbersome to transport and handle. A projectionist has to spool the film onto the projector when it arrives and check the entire film for faults, and sit through each screening. Mareel will enjoy the benefits of digital distribution - films are downloaded from a secure server or posted in a hard drive and are ready to go at the press of a button.

 

Also, there are a limited number of reels of each film in circulation, therefore there's a waiting list and preference is given to bigger cinemas with more clout. There's no such problem with making copies of digital files meaning Mareel will be able to show films on their national release dates rather than waiting months for a reel to become available.

 

^ that's just some of the main factors that mean Mareel can operate far more efficiently as a cinema than the Garrison.

 

Also, Mareel will mean the Garrison will be available for an additional four days a month for it's principle purpose as a theatre. The Garrison is regularly block booked for months, and years in many cases, in advance.

It might be worth considering DIY-ing it Malachy? It's not too difficult if you don't have ridges and valleys, particularly if it's a replacement job rather than a new installation.

 

Buckie based Planwell will make the sheets and flashing to spec and ship them to your door, together with all the necessary fixings. Have a look at their website - http://www.planwell.co.uk - and the 'Fixing Guide' - http://www.planwell.co.uk/inc/images/fixing_guide.pdf

 

I can vouch for their reasonable pricing and knowledgeable staff who are happy to provide advice.

Locking this thread for a while - lets take a few deep breaths folks

Only how many can get in,

where there's room for their collective arses to be perched,

the limitations on the show they can hear/see/participate in,

and how they all escape again, whatever the circumstances.

 

Got it now by any chance?

 

I've got it now!

 

If PeerieBryan can satifactorily answer these four basic questions then he can have Christmas and New Year off?

Here goes

 

how many can get in

It isn't possible to give an accurate answer unless the use of the each room is known. As stated several times recently, it comes down to programming and management. Capacities for each space depend on a number of factors i.e. fire regulations, risk assessments for the type of use, layout of chairs/tables/equipment etc. Then there's the other rooms which use the same common areas to consider, particularly the crowd management issues, and in some instances, such as festivals, people will be moving freely between rooms.

 

Each area will have a theoretical standing room only unfurnished maximum, or in the case of seated areas, a maximum number of seats, but it is unlikely that each area will be used at maximum capacity at the same time.

 

However, the main auditorium will have a theoretical maximum standing capacity of about 700 with 85 seated upstairs.

 

Which leads on to....

 

where there's room for their collective arses to be perched

This depends on how many seats are set out! Fixed seating will comprise: approx 250 main auditorium ground level (inc bleacher seats), 85 main auditorium balcony seats, approx 160 main cinema seats, 35 2nd screen/teaching room seats. These numbers can vary according to the number of wheelchair spaces required, the number of additional 'loose' seats set out the positioning of equipment, access requirements etc.

 

the limitations on the show they can hear/see/participate in

I'm not really sure what that means, but in order to win zetlander60's prize of the whole festive off work I'll have a bash....

 

From the gist of your previous posts, I'm assuming you mean how an event in one space will affect events in other spaces? If so, then I can only repeat that this comes down to management and programming - a judgement call by the venue management. Crowd management will be given equal consideration to any acoustic issues. I'm not sure what else I can saw on the matter.

 

....and how they all escape again, whatever the circumstances.

Erm, by using the exits and following the instructions of the staff who will all be trained in emergency evacuation procedures.

 

Furthermore....

 

Is it really too much to ask that come this stage of the project, that floor areas of main areas, crowd capacities, maximum db output on the main stage before there is audio leak through to adjoining areas from the main auditorium, maximum limitations of vibration conduction elimination from the main auditorium to adjoining areas, and similar basis "general" information is readily and easily available.

I'm not sure that most folk would consider much of the above to be 'general' information, but here goes:

 

floor areas of main areas

The plans have been available online for some time (and I recall you mentioning that you've looked through them) -

 

crowd capacities

See above

 

maximum db output on the main stage before there is audio leak through to adjoining areas from the main auditorium

db output from the stage is only one aspect - it's a multifaceted question that would have to be taken up with the acoustic engineers

 

maximum limitations of vibration conduction elimination from the main auditorium to adjoining areas

To be honest, I don't know what you mean!

 

I certainly don't give a blank what colour the foyer carpet is, who makes the beer glasses used in the bar, or whether low energy bulbs are used in the ladies staff bogs. Only how many can get in, where there's room for their collective arses to be perched, the limitations on the show they can hear/see/participate in, and how they all escape again, whatever the circumstances.

That kind of proves a point. I spent a chunk of last night discussing the number of toilets in Mareel, which someone thought was important enough that it should be published on the website. I have also been questioned on whether there will be plastic or glass beer receptacles, the fibres used in the carpets, the combined number of steps in the staircases etc etc none of which I would have considered relevant enough to put on a website.

 

It just isn't possible to guess what folk will want to know and have the answers ready on a website on the off-chance. Again, as previously stated, hopefully the forthcoming Mareel website will provide the information required by most people. Until then, I can only repeat that a phonecall or email to Shetland Arts is the best way forward.

 

Ghostrider, it would be my pleasure to take you on a tour of the site and answer your questions to the best of my abilities. Give the office a call on 01595 743 843 if you're up for it. Cheers!

I hope it was clear that the word was not used in the negative context which you describe and I'm vexed you have taken umbrage.

I dont like the term punter used by Brian for Mareel customers, i have looked it up on Wikipedia. A patron of a public house or a patron of a brothel or a customer of a prostitute . What service is Mareel to provide ?

Try a dictionary. Punter is a general colloquial term to describe a customer, and the context in which it was used was quite clear.

 

This thread can be pretty heavy going sometimes....

I still don't see why people should need to telephone in when if the above had been done, people wouldn't need to as information would be readily available and would hopefully stop rumours developing. I've never said that information was being withheld - it isn't easy to find it!

 

Likewise, whilst you've said about the queues for toilets, could you just not have said Mareel will have X No. of bogs? Simple!

I don't wish to dwell on the number of bogs in Mareel or pick on you, but I think your question exemplifies a point.

 

The simple answer is I don't know the number of toilets pans and urinals off the top of my head. I've been at meetings where the number of toilets were discussed together with the relevant guidelines/legislation, best practice and other similar venues' facilities. There have been many building use planning scenarios too, including likely toilet usage. A decision was reached (I don't recall the specifics) and I'm happy that the architects, contractors and the wider project team know what they're doing, and I'm happy to leave it at that.

 

It is unlikely that this information would have appeared on any Frequently Asked Questions documents (this is the first the time anyone has ever asked me) or the website and it hasn't, to my knowledge, been raised at any public meetings.

 

My point being, it isn't possible to second guess every question that people may ask and pre-publish the info on the Internet. It's a fairly specific question that, to be honest, I'm not sure is of interest to most people unless they get caught short and have to queue!

 

I would very much hope that since the number of toilets hasn't been widely publicised, this won't lead to a rumour that there aren't enough of them!

 

 

 

Much as I'd like to spend the rest of my Sunday evening discussing the number of toilets in Mareel, I may opt to watch a film before turning in

My point is that it isn't possible, or practical, to post all the detailed information relating to such a complex project in an easy to digest manner on the internet.

 

As mentioned, I hope the Mareel website will present all the information folk need. However, if folk are looking for specifics that they can't find on the Internet, a quick phonecall is the best way forward.

 

The implication that information is being withheld is just not accurate.

 

I'm more than happy to spend time answering folk's questions as it's a project that I'm very passionate about.

In response to some of the points raised in recent posts:

 

Re disabled access:

 

I'm quite astounded to read that some people are claiming there will be no, or insufficient, disabled access! There is, but if you don't believe me and you wish to perpetuate such a rumour, I'd take a moment to consider your motives for doing so.

 

And yes, there are comprehensive evacuation plans too.

 

Re: the site of the building

 

When designing a public facility such as Mareel, the location is absolutely critical. There would be very little point in first designing the building only to find there are no suitable locations near to the majority of users and/or public transport links. In my opinion, the design team have done a great job of fitting the requirements within the confines of the site.

 

Re: claims that there isn't sufficient information available:

 

I'm not aware of any other public building that there has been so much information available in the public domain during the construction phase. Hopefully when the Mareel website is launched next year then all the information the general public will need will be readily available.

 

And if folk, as has been the case on these forums over the past few days, are asking for details regarding the design and engineering specs then the best way for them to get the answers they're looking for is to ask Shetland Arts or come to one of the regular meetings.

 

It's a fair request to ask for an overview of the technical specs but there are hundreds of thousands of pages of information pertaining to Mareel - it isn't feasible summarise and/or publish all of it on the website. And I'm not sure how relevant it would be to most people.

 

For example, some of the requests from Ghostrider

* sq/m of floor(s) available for each individual interest area

Being a multi use venue in which each space can be used for multiple activities, I'm not sure how such information could be presented in any kind of meaningful way.

* restrictions/conditions of simultaneous usage of different pursuits/areas

That comes down to a management and programming issue, and common sense. You wouldn't have a kids party upstairs in the cafe with a heavy metal band in the main auditorium with the punters accessing the lower bar. It isn't feasible to go through every possible combination of potential uses of each area and tick a 'yes' or 'no' box

* level (or lack of) sound insulation/vibration deadening between areas of potential conflict

Again, that's programming and management as much as it is technical specs.

Re: number of toilets

 

Yes, there are sufficient toilets! However, if ever person in the building has the call of nature at once then there may be a queue.

 

Re: soundproofing

 

I don't know what else to say other than everything that can be done has been done to ensure a) maximum acoustic separation between spaces and acoustic properties of each space are suitable.

 

Sound propagation through buildings is a well understood process and has been taken into account at every stage of the design process. I've heard the rumour that the noise from rain on the cladding will be problematic - I have no idea where that rumour has come from, and I'm surprised that folk think that this hadn't been taken into consideration. All I can say is that I've been in the building many times when the rain is lashing down and you can't hear it at all.

 

 

In summary, I'm at a bit of a loss as to what folk expect of the design team. The architects have a proven track record in the field - http://www.garethhoskinsarchitects.co.uk/projects/arts-and-culture - and the technical consultants are among the best in the business - http://www.arup.com - micromanaging them via anonymous postings on a forum is unlikely to prove constructive.

 

 

SOME of us do play Devil's Advocate in the hope that answers will be forthcoming by the powers that be - forgive me, but didn't the SIC for one state that they would be more open with us mere mortals? Why can't SAT be the same?

I spend much of my free time answering questions online unlinkedstudent, and if you're who I think you are, I've discussed Mareel on the phone with you too. We organise regular public meetings, issue regular progress reports and our staff are more than happy to deal with any Mareel enquiries. All our finances are published on our website as are all our board meeting minutes. How do you wish us to be more open?

That said, given how popular Shetlink is, perhaps I have wrongly assumed that the Mareel 'powers that be' do read this particular thread and would come forward with the answers to the points I have raised on here or perhaps on their F/B page rather than just I having such information should I telephone them.

Not sure that I'm one of the Mareel 'powers that be' but I'll do my best to answer some of the points raised

 

It's quite a challenge to keep track of, and address questions raised on, the various forums, social networks and news websites/papers so I suggest getting in touch with Shetland Arts is the best way to get specific answers.

 

Multi-functional buildings seldom tend to deliver.

The Sage in Gateshead, The Barbican in London, Howden Park Centre in West Lothian, Artrix in Bromsgrove.... just a few examples of multi-functional arts buildings that 'deliver'. I very much hope Mareel will be on the list too.

 

That aside, Mareel is to have two cinema screens and the auditorium. So evening classes (perhaps) aside, are you seriously suggesting that the soundproofing is super duper, let alone that the all important bar/cafe could cope?

The construction is essentially several 'rooms' within an outer wall, designed to provide maximum acoustic isolation between spaces. So yes, the soundproofing will be super-duper!

 

things will need managing - does that mean that both cinema screens and the auditorium will be used simultaneously? If not, why not? These are surely valid points.

Yes, all the spaces can and will be used simultaneously

 

Capacity, not only inside (And yes, I did post tongue in cheek a while back about the number of toilets but come on, be honest, have you ever known a venue to have sufficient loos?) but also for parking.

Forgive me if I don't (re)address the issues of capacity as this has been discussed many, many times in this thread. The number of toilets and parking spaces are subject to planning regulations.

 

 

On the subject of providing transport to events:

 

That's definitely a subject worth exploring further, and I'd really like to hear folk's ideas on how best to make it work. Firstly, whenever possible, events will be timed to fit with the existing public transport timetable. That will mean, for instance, that most folk in Shetland will be able to get from as far as the outer isles to catch a film on a Saturday afternoon. However, it becomes more of a logistical challenge for evening events.

 

In my experience, laying on transport can be a Catch 22. Folk don't buy tickets unless they know they can get to an event and back, and it's not viable to organise transport unless you know folk will use it. It's been given a lot of consideration and the best way forward may be for groups of folk to club together and organise their own transport (I know of several groups who are planning to do that) or to indicate their interest in a non-scheduled bus being laid on. Events will be advertised far enough in advance for that to be possible. Several scenarios have been thought through but it'll take some 'real world' testing to get the balance right.

 

JustMe, your suggestion of this being accomplished though additional funding is a good one, but I'm not aware of any sources to cover such a scheme. Any suggestions would be more than welcome.

 

As with every aspect of Mareel's operation, folk's ideas and input is gladly received and I assure you that all points are given careful consideration.

Excellent news then, you could have just said that in the first place but an honest and legitimate answer is good enough for me.

 

It would be a pleasure to give more 'first place' answers, but it's tricky to reverse engineer a rumour

 

Maybe but you chose not to correct me straight away!

 

The way I see it, you seem to be on the pulse Bryan(regarding this issue) and there is so much crap written on this forum and certainly in this thread you have the power to dampen a lot of these rumours, so do just that!

 

I didn't choose 'not to correct' you straight away - when you asked me a question directly, I responded directly

 

Yes, there is a lot of 'crap' written on here about Mareel, but I try to keep people informed as best I can, correct misinformation and answer questions. However, life is too short to second guess and attempt to address every rumour that arises. Rumours tend to disappear as quickly as they appear, without the need for intervention.

 

The building is sinking...

The roof has fallen in...

The glass has fallen out...

Costs are now at £30 million...

 

That's just four of the rumours I've heard so far today

 

 

I tend to find most stories of imminent disaster on a construction project follow this critical path

 

1 Pub

2 Worker

3 Moaning about work

4 Overheard by layman who knows hee haw about building

5 Relayed to another layman who knows less about building

6 Second layman tells his mother

7 Second layman's mother tells everyone else who will listen

8 General public has totally wrong end of stick and accuses anyone involved with the project of being a feckless moron.

Excellent news then, you could have just said that in the first place but an honest and legitimate answer is good enough for me.

 

It would be a pleasure to give more 'first place' answers, but it's tricky to reverse engineer a rumour

That could be an idea Bryan but I'm quite sure of the response I would get from that phone call. Anyway, can you confirm if this is truly an issue or one of those half truths Bryan?

 

To cut a long story short, no, the roof isn't sagging and no, I haven't heard that there are worries about the weatherability of the roof either.

 

Without meaning to sound like some sort of spin doctor, some sections of the building have been a bit of a challenge to put up - but that was/is to be expected of any building of the size. I can't comment on anything specific such as the number of bolts and brackets, mainly because it's not my job to know the specifics - it's in the hands of the contractors and they're in the business of finding solutions to challenges.

 

I've heard numerous rumours about the roof and external cladding, but none of which I consider to be an 'issue'. When the contractors foresee a potential issue, they find a solution and get on with it. But by the time 'potential issues' are passed through the rumour mill, they tend to become catastrophic showstoppers!

Also, my understanding is that most/a large proportion of the money spent on those festivals comes from Creative Scotland and various sponsors (Bryan might be able to offer some less vague information). Ie, it's not Shetland's money being spent - it's money being brought in to Shetland to provide entertainment to people here who are interested in literature and cinema. Surely a good thing?

 

As you say Malachy, the funding comes from a range of sources - funding from local and national bodies, sponsorship, advertising and, what is often overlooked, box office income. I'm not sure of the exact split of Word/Screenplay is off the top of my head, but in terms of the music events that SA put on (perhaps most relevant to this thread), the majority of funding is from ticket sales.

 

 

@Mallacky, I never said that Shetlanders shouldn't be interested in outside culture etc but my problem is that, from where I'm standing, outside culture(ie Wordplay/Screenplay) is replacing/becoming accepted as Shetland's culture. I'm not glad that money is coming into Shetland if it's erasing Shetland's indiginous identity.

 

I'm afraid I can't see what relevance an author from a Hebridean island and another one from Aberdeenshire has to Shetland. For me, both of them and Scotland itself have a seperate culture and identity to Shetland but this is what's being foisted on Shetland.

 

Can anybody tell me what the audience/attendance figures were for each programme that was on during Screenplay and Wordplay?. Not the overall figure but how the figures breakdown for each programme.

 

If you're looking for a breakdown of attendances, try contacting the SA office.

 

You repeatedly say that external cultures are being 'foisted' on you. Without meaning to be patronising, just go to the events that fit your definition of Shetland culture then. For example, the local film makers night at Screenplay or talks and readings by locals at Wordplay.

 

You obviously have a passion for Shetland heritage - with the greatest of respect, it seems that this passion influences what you deem as appropriate cultural or artistic activities Shetlanders should have the chance to experience for fear of watering down our heritage.

 

Shetland culture and heritage, and all the meanings that has to each of us, is the result of centuries of outside influences. I think it would be detrimental to timestamp and ringfence Shetland and actively shun art and culture which doesn't fit the boundaries some may wish to place upon us. But then I would say that, working for 'that lot'