PROJECT SUMMARY

To Funding was sought to establish the feasibility of uses for the former Wiveliscombe Town Hall, in particular those which support the creative and arts economy in the 10 Parishes around Wiveliscombe. There is a need to address the lack of exhibition and display space - an identified weakness in the area which impacts on business and development opportunities for artists and craftspeople. In addition there are opportunities for social enterprises in the media sector building on the success of 10Radio and Cinema Obscura. Uses will complement existing facilities in the local area. It is anticipated that any use of the Town Hall will provide employment, training and education opportunities for the local community.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The building known as Wiveliscombe Town Hall was built in 1840 for Lord Ashburton, Lord of the Manor and designed by the County Architect of the time - Richard Carver. The ground floor, called the 'Shambles', housed a fish market, a butchers’ market and a pig market to the rear. A ‘grand’ staircase lead to the “assembly room” above.

The building was acquired by The Cooperative Society in 1929 after which the ground floor area was converted to shop units leaving only the first floor Hall as public space accessible by a small staircase running up the side of the building. Nevertheless, the Hall remained a popular venue for dances and film shows until the 1950’s with the last public event taking place, it is believed, in 1958.

Today the Co-op Supermarket occupies a part of the ground floor with the remainder being occupied by West Country Guns. The first floor Hall however has remained empty and unused for nearly 50 years.

The whole building was listed in 1984.

The Wiveliscombe Town Hall Trust was formed in 2006 to acquire a long lease of the Hall from the Coop and bring it back into permanent use. The Trust has five Trustees who are all local people committed to bringing the Hall back into use in accordance with the community’s wishes. Between them, the Trustees have experience in charity management, fund-raising, business management, regeneration consultancy, arts development and local government.

New facilities in the Town Hall will reduce the need to travel from Wiveliscombe and the surrounding parishes to service centre's such as Taunton, Wellington and further afield. Transport within the Wiveliscombe area is also supported by the Wivey Link.

In so far as it is possible in a restored building, sustainable construction principles will be adhered to. In particular, the design will seek to reduce carbon emissions through energy conservation and promoting the use of sustainable transport by visitors.

Quattro Design Architects of Bristol were appointed to conduct the options analysis following tendering conducted within the guidelines of the Architectural Heritage Fund.

Preferred Option:
The study explored five options for use of the Assembly Hall and examined the viability of each. A preferred option emerged: the creation of an Arts, Media, Cultural and Heritage Venue. This would be an accessible and sustainable centre of excellence providing heritage interpretation, education, family and local history, creative arts, media and cultural social enterprise services and activities. Activities generated should help meet local social, economic and environmental needs.

It now rests with the Trust to continue negotiations with the Co-op relating to use of the building and to seek further funding for the realisation of the project.