Business Details
Community Arts & Cultural Centre in Lancaster
Gregson Centre stands as a beacon of community-led cultural engagement in Lancaster. Established in 1889, our mission empowers local residents to shape their own community events and cultural experiences. As a registered charity (No. 1115084) and community-owned organisation, we provide versatile spaces including The Hall, Olive Bar, and Secret Cinema for diverse events ranging from music performances to wellbeing workshops. Our award-winning CAMRA-accredited cafe bar serves as a social hub, while our Creative Support Programme nurtures local talent.With 40 years of custodianship over this historic building, we reinvest all income back into maintaining accessible, inclusive spaces for 70+ regular community groups and thousands of annual visitors. Our dedicated team of trustees, volunteers, and staff ensures this vital cultural asset remains open to all, regardless of background or circumstance.
Services
Event Spaces Hire
Community Events
Cafe Bar
Creative Support Programme
Student Deal
Highlights and features
- 40 years of community-led cultural programming experience
- Reinvest all profits directly into community spaces and initiatives
- Award-winning CAMRA-accredited community cafe bar
- Versatile event spaces for up to 150 people
- Dedicated Creative Support Programme for local artists
Associations and certifications
- CAMRA
Services
Event Spaces Hire
Our versatile spaces accommodate events of all sizes, from intimate meetings to large celebrations. The Hall hosts up to 150 people with full bar facilities, while the Secret Cinema offers an intimate setting for 25. All bookings include technical support and promotional assistance through our established community networks.
Community Events
We curate diverse cultural experiences including live music, film screenings, and wellbeing workshops. Our calendar features both regular groups and one-off events, ensuring something for every age and interest. Recent highlights include folk music nights, feminist film clubs, and stained glass workshops.
Cafe Bar
Award-winning community cafe bar serving locally-sourced food and real ales. Open daily with lunch, evening menus, and special events. All profits directly support our charitable mission, while the space hosts book exchanges, games corners, and family-friendly activities.
Creative Support Programme
We nurture local creativity through reduced-rate venue hire and marketing support. This initiative helps artists and community groups establish regular programmes with minimal financial risk, fostering innovation in performing arts, visual arts, and cultural education.
Student Deal
Special discounts for students across our cafe bar and venue hire services. Designed to make cultural participation and event hosting more accessible for Lancaster's student population while encouraging community engagement.
People
Charles Tyrer
CEO
Former Executive Director at Settle Stories, Charles brings decades of arts leadership experience. A former youth worker and town councillor, he champions community engagement through cultural initiatives.
Guy Christiansen
Chair of the Board
CEO of Lancashire Youth Challenge, Guy has extensive theatre sector leadership experience. He advocates for community arts as vital components of regional cultural ecology.
Heike Horsburgh MBE
Trustee
Awarded MBE for services to youth and communities, Heike brings 30+ years of third-sector experience. She specialises in social inclusion and health policy development across public sectors.
Bex Carradus
Bar Manager
With 20+ years in Lancaster hospitality, Bex oversees our award-winning cafe bar. She fosters community connections through daily operations and event management.
Emma Rucastle
Trustee & Secretary
Creative practitioner specialising in inclusive theatre. Emma leads Lancaster Fun Palace and champions accessible arts programmes for diverse community groups.
Questions
What types of events can I host at Gregson Centre?
We accommodate diverse events from weddings to workshops. Our spaces suit performances, meetings, film screenings, and private parties with capacities ranging from 24 to 150 attendees.
How does Gregson Centre support local artists?
Through our Creative Support Programme offering reduced-rate venue hire and marketing assistance. We help establish regular community arts initiatives with minimal financial risk for creators.
Is Gregson Centre accessible for disabled visitors?
Yes, we provide wheelchair access, accessible toilets, and sensory equipment. Our staff receive regular disability awareness training to ensure inclusive experiences for all visitors.
Can I bring outside catering to my event?
You may bring external catering except for private hire bookings requiring bar service. We recommend our partner Toast for locally-sourced food options that align with our community values.
How are profits reinvested into the community?
All cafe bar profits fund building maintenance, community programmes, and subsidised venue hire. This ensures ongoing accessibility for 70+ regular community groups and emerging artists.
What sustainability initiatives do you have?
We implement energy-saving measures, source local produce, and partner with environmental organisations. Our policies prioritise eco-friendly operations while maintaining accessible community spaces.
