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
- Council agrees revised budget for scheme given it can no longer afford to subsidise the arts centre. Changes to a cinema led facility with some flexible spaces that will not require an on-going subsidy.
- Revised Barker Langham business case considered
July 2022
- Northgate End car park opens.
November 2022
- Council adopts Supplementary Planning Document on Old River Lane following public engagement process over the summer.
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
- Council staff provide Members with briefing on ORL options due to financial challenges. Please see the presentation for more details.
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
- Consultation on the public square begins with stakeholders.
August - September 2024
- Public consultation includes 5 market stalls in the town centre, an online survey and engagement with younger people
November 2024
- Development Agreement with Cityheart is signed and results of public consultation published.
April 2025
- Structural survey of Water Lane Hall commissioned.
May 2025
- Collaborative Masterplanning process begins.
