South Devon Arts Centre gets planning permission - Press Release from David Parsley at Totnes FM

Patrons & Friends of SDAC

Sir Richard Branson

Jools Holland OBE

Bob Harris OBE

Peter Oswald

Peter Richardson

Alice Oswald

Mae Karthauser

South Devon Arts Centre

Scope Complex

Wills Road

Totnes  TQ9 5XN

t 01803 862267

e info@southdevonarts.co.uk

  

PRESS RELEASE

Planners give green light to

South Devon Arts Centre

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: - FRIDAY 8 MARCH: SOUTH DEVON ARTS CENTRE (SDAC) has been given the green light following planning approval for its plans to transform an empty industrial building in Totnes into a fabulous new arts and entertainment venue.

South Hams District Council gave the project the green light today (Friday 8 March), meaning work can begin on refurbishing the venue to provide the local community with a state-of-the-art venue, exhibition space and a new home for community radio station Totnes FM.

David Parsley, chairman of SDAC, said: “This is wonderful news and we thank South Hams for approving the project. We’d also like to thank Totnes Town Council for supporting us and all those who wrote to the planning authorities to give their support.

“Work will begin on transforming the space to provide Totnes and the south Devon community with a wonderfully creative space very soon.”

The exciting not-for-profit scheme will include a new 250 capacity live performance venue, a 70-seat theatre and cinema, art exhibition space, recording studios and Totnes FM, which will launch on its FM frequency later this year. The refurbishment will be completed in two stages, with the main auditorium and exhibition space completed in May, with the theatre and cinema following later in the year.

As well as gaining the crucial support from local planners, the project has gained backing from big name supporters such as Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson. Music and broadcast legends Jools Holland OBE and Bob Harris OBE have also become Patrons of the centre, alongside national theatre playwright Peter Oswald, film and television director Peter Richardson, internationally renowned poet Alice Oswald and local music star Mae Karthauser, who will be performing at the Glastonbury Festival this summer.

Local businesses and individuals have also been hugely supportive, with health food store Greenlife, solicitors Windeatts, Harrisons Garage and sound equipment providers Absolute Music among those backing the scheme. Thanks to their help, as well as a substantial private donation, the project has raised the funds required to complete the refurbishment in a little over two months.

“We cannot do this without the support of the local community, so we’re incredible grateful to all the businesses and individuals who have helped us. People have been incredibly generous and we cannot thank them enough.” said Mr Parsley.



The centre will launch its packed schedule of music, comedy, theatre and cinema in late May, bringing 11 much needed jobs to Totnes, with more positions planned in the following year. An announcement of the Grand Opening event, as well as some other big surprises, will be made by the end of this month.

SDAC will also host many different classes and workshops, and put on many special events specifically aimed at young people. The space will also be available for hire to anyone wishing to put on large or small events.

-Ends-

For further information contact David Parsley on 01803 862267 or via email on info@southdevonarts.com