in its materials and form, both open and welcoming." Naming and construction Construction work was carried out by Graham contractors. In 2010, the cost of completion of the Arts Centre was estimated at £9.3 million. The theatre's new name was announced as The Beacon Arts Centre on 25 November 2010, when the Patron of Greenock Arts Guild, HRH The Earl of Wessex, visited the Customhouse in the week before construction work started. The name was chosen as the new theatre would be near a 19th century ornamental cast iron clock tower with lantern in front of the Customhouse. Originally known as The Beacon, the lantern had been used to guide ships mooring at the quayside: it was erected in 1868 to a design by Greenockian artist William Clark, and its cast iron structure was made by the nearby foundry of Rankin & Blackmore. During the visit, the Earl of Wessex unveiled a commemorative artwork by glass artist Alec Galloway, to be placed in the new building on completion. HRH became patron of Greenock Arts Guild in 2009 and had a longstanding involvement with theatre; in the 1980s he worked with Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Theatre Company on shows such as The Phantom of the Opera, Starlight Express and Cats. In July 2011 Lloyd-Webber’s foundation awarded a £100,000 grant to the Beacon Youth Theatre project, and he subsequently attended the topping out ceremony of the new building. The contractor handed the keys of the building over to the Arts Guild on 27 December 2012, and in January 2013 the Beacon Arts Centre opened to the public with the "First Beam of Light" performed as a community celebration of the opening. It was officially opened by HRH The Earl of Wessex on 16 August 2013, following a Gala variety performance by artists including Keith Jack and the award-winning Inverclyde Junior Choir, with music from Andrew Lloyd Weber productions. Facilities The entrance to the Beacon Arts Centre is through a two storey foyer space, which includes the booking office, and there is lift access to the first floor. Externally, a stepped plinth incorporates a wide ramp up from eight disabled parking bays. The plinth adds to the scale as well as protecting against potential flooding, and the mass of the fly tower above the stage forms a striking external feature, with glazed panels lit at night to form a beacon. The Main