Redevelopment of Castle HallIntroduction(Article date: September 9, 2009) THE CURTAIN has been raised on a major overhaul of Castle Hall, which could see new gallery space, a new cafe and a dance studio added - and the prospect of cinema-quality films and a professional pantomime by Christmas next year. 
East Herts Council, which runs the Hertford arts and entertainment venue, has earmarked £600,000 for the refurbishment, but on Tuesday the Executive agreed to bring in professional architects to confirm the costs of the venue's biggest revamp since it opened in the 1970s. Linda Haysey, Executive member for community development, leisure and culture, said: "This is not about tinkering around the edges, changing the colours of the seating. This investment is about putting the show on the road." Now, professionals will be brought in to develop a detailed design specification and obtain planning consent and tender prices for the work. When the updated costs are known, a further report asking for the capital will be brought before the council. A draft business case, based on the overhaul and implementing a range of changes which will increase use of the hall would allow East Herts Council to reduce its subsidy to the venue by at least £700,000 over the next 10 years. Development plans could also include purchasing high quality film projection equipment to bring back a cinema-quality film experience to Hertford. Proposals will also be drawn up to introduce new low carbon heating and cooling, as well as exploring alternative energy sources. You can read the whole report on Castle Hall's development proposals in the Executive agenda for Tuesday, September 8. |
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