THE JEWEL in Warrington's cultural crown has finally be given a name.

Borough leaders have this week voted to name the new arts centre 'Pyramid' in keeping with the Egyptian theme surrounding the building - Cairo Street, Suez Street and Palmyra Square.

The Winmarleigh Street centre, set to open next year, will complete the town's cultural quarter.

A focus group, made up of people from across the town, was formed to choose a name for the centre.

Their aim was to ensure the name would have the broadest possible appeal. Suggestions included The Glasshouse, Continuum and The Drum but the front runners emerged as Pyramid and WA1.

Gail Thorne, Arts Service Manager, said: "The group's favourite did emerge as WA1. They thought it was fresh and modern."

But councillors preferred to take the Eastern option.

Clr Les Hoyle said: "WA1 doesn't really mean anything and doesn't say what the centre is all about."

Clr Paul Langford agreed and said the name Pyramid had the distinctive effect it was looking for.

Mrs Thorne welcomed the councillors' decision calling it "momentous."

An impression of Pyramid, the new arts centre, from the east elevation.

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