Progress is being made by the Council and its partners on two key regeneration projects for Radstock town centre to bring new homes, more jobs, and greater opportunities for local people.
Following extensive consultation with the local community, a fresh start for a refurbished Victoria Hall is being proposed by the Cabinet. There will be substantial investment totalling around £660,000 including:
- New electrics, lift, toilet facilities, and boiler;
- New facilities to create studios and an arts theatre, community space, meeting rooms, exhibition area, and coffee bar.
The main user of the building will be a successful local business – Sue Hill School of Dancing, based in Radstock whose full time performing arts course BDC (Bath Dance College) will operate from the premises along with other classes.
However, both the Council and dance school will be encouraging the community to make full use of the building once the refurbishment is complete.
Following a single member democratic decision being made at the start of June, work is expected to start in the Summer and be complete towards the end of the year, although part of the building will be open before that time for the Dance School to operate.
A public exhibition will be held at Radstock’s Working Men’s Club on 8th May 2013 between 2pm and 8pm. Information will be displayed on the updated Former Railway Land plans along with information on the agreed road scheme.
This will pave the way for reserved matters applications for the housing and town centre development. This is Step 2 of the Council’s action plan announced in November 2012 to tackle traffic congestion and support new homes on the former Railway Land.
An unmanned version of the exhibition will be available at Radstock Library from the 9th to 11th May which is open during normal times. The planning application will be submitted by Norton Radstock Regeneration Company anticipated later this month when there will be a further chance for people to have their say during the statutory consultation period.
Councillor Paul Crossley (Lib-Dem, Southdown), Leader of Council, said, “This is an exciting time for Radstock as Bath & North East Somerset Council and our partners move ahead with these two important regeneration projects that will benefit local people.
“The road network upgrade and new homes are urgently needed to breathe new life into the town. The submission of the outline planning application is the next step of our action plan to make these improvements a reality. This project must be complemented by community facilities, like Victoria Hall, which will provide vibrant activities and events for both present and future residents to take part in.”
Sue Hill, said, “We are committed to play a full part in making Victoria Hall the very best facility it can be for the whole community. The building will be much more than a Dance School. Our commitment means developing the building to become an art centre where people can fulfil their potential or simply just enjoy their time with events like film evenings.”
More information about the regeneration of Radstock can be found at www.bathnes.gov.uk/regenradstock
