TAUNTON needs a better arts venue, which in turn would help boost the local economy, according to many people.
That was the widespread view at a Question Time style hustings with a panel representing the parties standing for election to Taunton Deane Council.
The event was chaired by Martin Bell and organised by TauntonForward at Richard Huish College, Taunton.
Look out for further response from the debate on this website over the coming days.
Kit Chapman, from event organisers TauntonForward, asked if the panel members support building a 1,000-seater flexible entertainment venue on the Coal Orchard site in Taunton.
JEFFERSON HORSLEY (LibDem):
“We aimed to create a cultural hub in the centre of Taunton.
“We recognise very much that culture and sport are strong economic drivers for the long term future of Taunton Deane.
“The Brewhouse must be given a run, but I think we have go to look at alternative sites – perhaps the Firepool site should support culture, with cinemas.
“We do need something of this sort – we need to build and develop it.
“If elected, we will be questioning how we can best make the Coal Orchard a cultural hub of Taunton Deane.
“Taunton needs this – it’s a question of money.”
CLIVE MARTIN (Green):
“One of the assets of Taunton is the new museum.
“The Brewhouse is just too small to work as a functional artistic venue in the centre of town – the Coal Orchard site is clearly the best venue.
“But Taunton Deane Council has about 40% less money to play with than it did five years ago.”
JOHN WILLIAMS (Con):
“Culture and the arts are a key driver for the economy of Taunton – it’s all about the mix.
“The Arts Council wants to see a much larger venue delivered here, but commitment needs to be shown. We have grant funded TauntonForward to look at the arts.
“Already a major area site around the Brewhouse down to the river front has been set aside to redevelop a new theatre or extend the Brewhouse.
“We will deliver it when we can, but there’s the question of where’s the funding coming from?”
EDDIE GAINES (Independent):
“Myself and Steve Ross (Independent councillor) started a rearguard action to get the Brewhouse up and running again (after it closed).
“Now we need a new theatre offering, but that offering has got to be mixed.”
LIBBY LISGO (Labour):
“I’d say yes, 100% (to supporting the proposal), but ultimately it’s about the money.
“My only concern is we think we’ve had it tough in local government over the last five years and I don’t see it’s going to get any better or any easier over the next five years.”
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