Music mogul to open arts centre

Music mogul to open arts centre

The building used to be a cinema

Pop music mogul Pete Waterman is to open a new performing arts and media centre at Coventry University.

The man who launched the pop careers of Kylie Minogue and Steps was born in Coventry and still maintains strong links with the city.

The centre is named after another famous Coventrian - Dame Ellen Terry, one of the most prominent English actresses of the 19th Century.

Mr Waterman will perform the official opening ceremony at the Ellen Terry Building on 20 May.

Afterwards, he will offer Coventry University students an insight into the music industry and share with them his tips for success.

Pete Waterman has been given an honorary degree by the university

Mr Waterman, who was awarded an honorary degree by the university in 2001, said it is a privilege to be asked back.

"I was really pleased to be invited to perform the official opening of this great building.

"I think that facilities like the Ellen Terry Building which promote and encourage new talent and creativity amongst young people should be supported."

The building, formerly an Odeon Cinema, is home to the School of Art and Design and is the location for courses in music, dance, theatre, and media studies.

It has rehearsal space and state-of-the-art photography, video and broadcasting facilities.

The centre has rehearsal space for dance, music and theatre

The Ellen Terry Building is also becoming established as an arts venue for both Coventry and the surrounding area, offering students and visitors the chance to see performances.

Ellen Terry was born in Coventry in 1847 to a family of actors.

She became one of the leading actresses of her age, performing nearly all of Shakespeare's heroines, and was made a Dame of the British Empire in 1925.

Several members of her family will be attending the event, including two great-granddaughters.