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
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