Old River Lane Timeline

A summary of the key milestones and decisions relating to the Old River Lane (ORL) project.

December 2017

  • Council approve land use for ORL to be a mixed development, including significant new arts centre comprising 500 seat theatre, 3-4 cinema screens, a one stop-shop for council services, cafe/bar, housing and retail. Need for new parking provision also identified.
  • Council approve delivery models for ORL site: main site will be developed through a contract with a third party. The council will retain ownership of the arts centre part of the scheme with the developer building it to the council’s specification.
  • Arts Centre Steering Group set up

July 2017

  • Town Centre Planning Framework agreed at Council, setting out a long term vision for the town centre, including the ORL site. 

December 2019


February 2019 

  • Executive approve appointment of Cityheart as developer following procurement process.

March 2019

  • Council agree budget for ORL, including capital allocation for build of the arts centre and on-going revenue subsidy.

January 2020

  • Contract awarded for building of Northgate End car park and residential/commercial block.

March 2021


July 2022

  • Northgate End car park opens.

November 2022


February 2023

  • Cityheart planning application validated and open for comments.

December 2023

  • Cityheart submit outline planning application for ORL site.

October 2023

  • Work begins on reflecting changes to the scheme within the draft Development Agreement

September 2023

  • Cityheart withdraw their planning application. 

June 2023


July 2023

  • ORL Board receives legal advice on changes to the scheme including proposals to adjust the red line boundary and defer building of the arts centre

March 2024

  • ORL Board considers initial ideas for a public square

February 2024

  • Council agrees to allocated up to £170,000 for maintenance works for Water Lane Hall and £1.5m for a public square

June 2024

  • ORL Board receive briefing on content of development agreement and authorise officers to sign it, subject to some additional processes being undertaken. Board also consider consultation proposals for the public square

July 2024