World renowned architects firm Marks Barfield has been appointed to work in partnership with the Council to deliver a vision for the town’s Devonshire Park complex.
The appointment was made following a national appointment process, conducted in liaison with key partners.
The ambitious plans will begin with a review into the business opportunities, involving comparisons with other destinations and cultural venues and an analysis of opportunities to generate increased income, attendance, community use and audience satisfaction.
The results will inform the overall vision of how best to develop the facilities at the complex to meet these opportunities, including the Congress Theatre.
Alongside physical improvements, the partnership will create a robust business design case for the plans ensuring it is both viable and sustainable.
Following an extensive consultation process, an initial set of proposals is expected to go before Council Cabinet in the Autumn 2011.
The team includes business and marketing consultants and the overall project will be managed by representatives from the partner organisations involved.
Later stages of the review will seek to secure funding to implement the preferred recommendations, which will include physical improvements to the buildings and public spaces, greater opportunities for programming new events and arts for a range of audiences as well as funding and governance models.
