The project team have been working with industry experts, including Philip Meadowcroft Architects, CinemaNext and Theatre Projects to develop the brief for a series of exciting cinema and performance spaces that will create part of an iconic, town centre hub for the community, local residents and visitors. We want your feedback on the early proposals so that we can continue to develop the requirements for the spaces. These will inform the designs taken forward by Cityheart’s Design Team.
Please take the time to take a look and let us know your thoughts. This is the first in a number of engagement and consultation activities that will take place, once we’ve heard what you have to say, we will share further designs with you in the autumn.
Proposals for the EHDC funded Arts Centre were proposed to and approved at Full Council in March 2021. The new Arts Centre will be designed to provide:
- An engaging and exciting arts centre and cinema which provides the facility for performance spaces inside and outside the building
- Inside - live performance spaces in the 80 seat cinema/ multi use auditorium, 150 seat cinema with the facility for small acts on a raised stage. 80 seat cinema, two 50 seat cinemas, one located next to the gallery space to provide spaces that could be used separately or together for private hire, the facility for small acts in the gallery and a café bar with inside and outside tables.
- Outside - dedicated public realm area for a wide ranging arts offer, from outdoor theatre and music festivals to live sports screening and leisure offers
- A high end cinema offer delivered across five screens, all screens will be able to live stream locally, nationally and internationally
Councillor Eric Buckmaster, executive member for wellbeing at EHDC said, “We are really happy with the progress the project team have made with the designs so far and now we want to hear from residents and potential users of the arts centre so that we can make sure we deliver a valued hub in the town which can be enjoyed by many for years to come.”
The information and artist impressions can be found on the Council website along with the consultation survey.
The consultation will open on Friday 16 July and close on Friday 6 August.
If you require a paper copy of the information, please email or alternatively, call 01279 655261.
