Come and talk Carlton! Teignbridge seeks views on Teignmouth’s future
The future redevelopment of Teignmouth’s Carlton Theatre site is back under the spotlight at a series of community workshops.
Teignbridge District Council has issued a call for residents and other groups looking for a place to meet to get involved with the design of a building fit for the 21st Century.
Teignbridge is keen to meet with anyone interested in the theatre’s future so they can hear all the ideas and aspirations.
The workshops will be held on Tuesday 2 July, starting at 4pm.
Teignbridge is once more looking at the potential redevelopment of the Carlton site with the aim of creating a multi-use community facility.
In February, and as part of its budget setting process, Teignbridge set aside £2.5 million from the capital programme over the next three years to provide a new building on the site, contributing to the wider regeneration of Teignmouth sea front.
Key facilities to be provided within the new building are:
• Multi-use hall with retractable seating.
• Interlinking meeting rooms, which can be used as a single larger space or smaller spaces
• Key facilities for managing events
• A building that is financially sustainable
Feedback from the workshops will guide more specific information for other facilities required and how the building will function. They may also assist in identifying how other areas of Teignmouth could be used to complement a new building.
At the same time Teignbridge is looking at additional funding opportunities to help add anything else that may be needed. In order to meet any CCF application criteria, the project will have to show that it will add jobs and growth to the local community. Teignbridge will find out if it can take this funding option forward later on in the year.
Teignmouth is a classic English seaside town, with a rich legacy and stunning natural setting. With its beaches, lively town centre, iconic pier and busy Den area – complete with recreational and play areas – it appeals to visitors and locals alike.
The Carlton site has an important part to play for the town’s economic and social well-being and has long needed updating. In the past there have been moves to regenerate the current site.
In March 2010 planning permission was granted replace the existing theatre building with flexible community centre comprising 200 seat multi-use auditorium, library, meeting and exhibition space, cafe, restaurant and bar.
However, the funding was never reserved or found and no agreement was reached to relocate other services. Against the backdrop of the continuing recession and a change in the administration at Teignbridge in May 2011, the potential and viability were reconsidered and a decision was made to seek a more realistic solution.
A subsequent funding commitment was made in February this year for a community use building. This would help bring down the overall costs but at the same time provide a fit-for-purpose building that continued to focus on all sectors of the community; identifying employment, social and community opportunities.
Cllr Stuart Barker, Teignbridge District Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Spokesperson for Assets and Resources, said: “This is an opportunity for those interested and whose voices have not yet been heard to come and talk to us. The Carlton is a place that people love but it also needs a lot of investment to create a new building fit for modern day living. We need to know what people want to see there.
“Teignmouth has benefited recently from our decisions to create multi million pound investment including industrial units at Broadmeadow; playing fields at Michael’s Field, the new community building and we helped fund a new Town Centre Development Manager for Teignmouth and Dawlish.
“For many years now people have told us that the current site needs redeveloping and that is exactly what we are trying to do – but we need more people to get involved. It’s important that any residents or other groups with an interest in the future of Teignmouth come to the workshops and tell us what they think will work on this site.”
Cllr Sylvia Russell, Teignbridge District Council’s Executive Spokesperson for Health and Wellbeing and Teignmouth East ward member, said: “Teignmouth badly needs a modern flexible space in the town centre large enough to cater for a variety of theatrical, social and community events. This can be achieved by drawing together a design brief and business plan to attract additional funding.
“The iconic Teign Heritage Centre, also in Teignmouth, is proof that with community agreement, good planning and a professional approach, everything is possible.”
To register for a place at the workshop please email economyandtourism@teignbridge.gov.uk or phone 01626 215563.
