Bid for arts venue is stepped up

3:20pm Thursday 20th March 2008

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ARTS promoters championing a new purpose-built performance and arts venue for Thornbury have passed two important milestones.

At its recent first annual general meeting, the steering group of Arts and Community in Thornbury (ACT) - now a limited company - reaffirmed its quest for a site in the town centre.

Members agreed it would make a critical contribution to the future regeneration of the town's business and recreational heartland - a philosophy warmly embraced by the local Chamber of Commerce.

Recent discussions with South Gloucestershire Council have led to further thoughts of central sites.

ACT chairman Philip Darley said registered charitable status had now been acquired and funds raised through a programme of arts events had further embedded the group into the cultural fabric of the town and surrounding area.

The inaugural meeting of Friends of ACT (FACTs) at Turnberries was well attended, he said, with members applauding the group's vision and its contribution to town centre enhancement.

It was clear that there was much anticipation of future benefits for the town and high expectations that civic and other community leaders would come together to ensure the project's success.

Behind the scenes, a considerable amount of research and preparatory work had been undertaken with visits to more than 15 regional theatres, consultations over financial models and inquiries about mixed economy budgets for the venue.

David Golding, of ACT's Business Group, said it was currently well into the preparation of a feasibility study and outline business plan, part of which was researching regional demographic characteristics.

"Discussions with the Armstrong Hall management committee have been held on several occasions to find mutually beneficial ways forward," he said.

"It is important to avoid duplication and both organisations may need to redefine each others' objectives slightly."

ACT welcomes constructive ideas and offers for its future programme and can be contacted at act.thornbury@yahoo.co.uk.

A website, still undergoing development, has also been launched at www.actthornbury.org.uk.