Opinion
There has been popular debate surrounding The Sage Gateshead. There is a broad base of local support for the centre, including cross-party backing from local government. Conversely, some feel that the money might be better spent on improving Gateshead's High Street. However, the money made available to the project build via Lottery Grants would not have been used for such general improvements to the area regardless. The building is hugely popular in the local area for its accessible learning courses for all ages and its constant interaction with local schools and academies through programmes such as Sing Up and the option of school visits.
The building itself has its admirers and detractors. While many people; including locals, hold it to be a fine example of Norman Foster's design, others draw comparisons with a large slug. Gavin Stamp, writing as "Piloti" in Private Eye's Nooks and Corners column, suggested that the structure resembles a "shiny condom".
The Sage Gateshead has won many awards, including the Local Authority Building of the Year in the 2005 British Construction Industry Awards and the RIBA Award for Inclusive Design as well as Private Eye's "Hugh Casson" medal for the worst building of 2004.
Read more about this topic: The Sage Gateshead
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