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22.01.08 Ropewalk Visitors increase Popular Barton on Humber Arts Centre today announced significant visitor increases for 2007. The centre which first opened in April 2000 has recorded record numbers. Development Officer Liz Bennet explained ‘I have prepared the figures for a summary report of the year and was delighted to see that 33,633 people visited the centre in 2007 which is an increase of 32%. The Waterside Artists Co-operative who run the centre thought that it would be difficult to maintain the 2006 level which was up significantly from previous years. I am not sure if we have now reached our peak but staff will be working hard to promote the centre and its activities in the hope that more people will attend in 2008. Liz continued ‘The introduction of the events in Ropery Hall has certainly added to the number of people engaging with the arts at The Ropewalk. The Ropery Coffee Shop is now a year old and constantly growing in reputation with a great number of people enjoying meals on a regular basis. Just three years ago The Ropewalk had a handful of staff and it now employs twenty-seven local people. We are aware that expansion of this kind can change the feel of an organisation but out staff are professional and enthusiastic and we hope to maintain the same level of customer service we have offered since 2000.’ Director Richard Hatfield added ‘This year we will be taking steps to look at the way we work with the public and will be applying for a Quality Assurance Mark to gain recognition for all the staffs hard work. Along with my fellow directors, Sally Ward and Tim Needham I would like to thank our partners The Proudfoot Group and North Lincolnshire Council for helping to make 2007 such a success and I look forward to another year of opportunities to develop exhibitions and arts projects for the local community and the wider region.’ The Ropewalk is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sundays 10am – 4pm. |
