After consulting with various official groups and Boards, Sedgemoor District Council, as the accountable body for Bridgwater Town Board, has agreed to submit a detailed business case for Bridgwater’s Arts and Cultural venues to Government and, if agreed, will see an investment of £2.1million into the Arts within Bridgwater Town Centre.
The three projects contained within the bid are:
Located in Castle Street, the Arts Centre proposal (£700,000) is to create essential flexibility -supporting local artists and cultural events within the town centre. It will make sure that the Grade 1 listed building is more accessible and flexible to visitors, as well as improving accommodation arrangements within the auditorium, which in turn, will allow for a wider programme. The project will also see a lift installed to give access to higher floors.
In High Street, the Bridgwater Town Hall Theatre proposal (£900,000) will transform the cultural facility. Focussing on auditorium and facilities improvements, it will allow for wider development of the cultural offer; as well as including access with office and meeting space for community and social enterprises.
The Engine Room project proposal (£500,000) is for an increased capacity for community media centre engaging people with digital art and media – enhancing skills. Creating flexible studio suites, and interactive art/cultural experiences showcasing local talent and community work for the Engine Room.
Additionally, there is just over £2.9m match funding for these projects, broken down as the following:
- Arts Centre £89,238, comprising £66,800 Town Council and £22,438 Arts Centre own funds.
- Town Hall £2,728,877, comprising £39,000 Town Council costs on design work and £2,689,877 additional borrowing.
- Engine Room £100,969, comprising £100,000 Sedgemoor District Council (previously agreed investment and £969 top-up contribution from private donors.
All three projects address the need for accessible and flexible creative space in covid-safe environments, supporting local artists, communities and enterprises.
Once submitted, the government have three months to review and approve the business case.
