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Development Plans for the Chipping Hall

Development plans for the Chipping Hall:

Initial phase:

In 2005 we worked in partnership with the Wotton Town Trust to carry out some much needed basic improvements to the building. The works were funded by the Trust and with grants to the project from Stroud District Council and the Gloucestershire Market Towns Forum. This initial phase of activity was completed in March 2005.

The works carried out were to:

• provide up-to-date basic facilities including:
  
  
  • toilets accessible for people with disabilities
  • an entrance lobby leading to the main hall
  • a small tea room off the hall for providing refreshments
• create a new exit from the main hall wide enough to allow wheelchair users access to the rear corridor, secondary fire exit and the store room
• renew the suspended ceiling and replace the main lighting in the hall
• install a purpose made hanging system for exhibitions

Plans showing the new layout following the works can be seen in the current layout.

Further phases:

In the longer term we intend to make more significant improvements to the hall to support our programme and activities and we will need to raise significant funds to achieve this as well as reaching agreement with the current owners of the building (Wotton Town Trust), obtaining planning permission and other consents for our proposed changes.

We have been fortunate in getting support from a local architectural practice (Smith Roberts Associates) who have produced some drawings for us showing how the building might be developed in the future. You can see these ideas at future plans.

Outline specification:

Set out below is an outline specification describing the requirements for the building to support our future activities.

[1] General:

The building is a listed 19th century former school building in the centre of the town and any redevelopment will need to be sympathetic to its original design and its surroundings.

The current and intended use is as a multi-purpose community arts centre run for the benefit of people in and around Wotton. Developments should reflect both the community and the artistic aspects of the project by:

• creating welcoming and accessible spaces; and
• incorporating high quality art and craft into the development.

The project needs to be sustainable in the long term and improvements and developments should, wherever practicable, help to reduce running costs without compromising the quality and functionality of the building.

The building will represent a significant community resource and will contain valuable equipment and materials. Good 'built-in' security will be important to prevent the building from being vulnerable to vandalism and break-ins.

[2] User requirements

Outside:

• Level access for wheelchairs
• Bicycle racks
• Buggy store
• Lockable notice board
• Exterior lighting at main entrance
• Mailbox
• Security bars on windows (artist designed?)
• Fixings for promotional banners

Terrace

• Level area for tables and chairs for use in good weather

Main Hall: (120m²)

• Accessible and capable of being licensed for public entertainments (to a seated capacity of 120 (est)
• Floor suitable for dancing
• Stage area with 'green room' behind
• Lighting (natural) - maintain the current high levels of natural light but incorporate blinds to provide full blackout for shows
• Lighting (artificial) - should be capable of various configurations to be suitable for:
  • Exhibitions
  • Performances (will need lighting bars and high capacity electricity supply)
  • Small scale workshops
• Power supply - for activities
• Heating & ventilation - to allow for the full range of activities (eg life drawing, dancing, performances)
• Walls to allow for the exhibition/display of 2d artworks
• Storage space for 100 stacking chairs (unless other easy access storage available)
• Screen for slide/film projection
• Location for production controls (lighting etc)

Upper Hall: (80m²)

• Accessible and capable of being licensed for public entertainments (to a seated capacity of 60 (est)
• Floor suitable for art workshops, including for children
• Facilities for wet crafts
• Lighting - good natural lighting with views to the surrounding landscape
• Blackout
• Display system for artworks
• Storage for arts materials

[3] Key services - location to be determined:

• Toilets - sufficient to meet PE licensing and DDA requirements (unisex)
• Lift and stairs to provide access to the upper floor
• Kitchen/catering/tea station area - to allow for the serving of refreshments to participants, including alcohol and hot snacks
• Bar - serving the main hall
• Storage ( say 25m²) - for equipment and furniture eg:
  • Chairs, folding/stacking tables
  • Modular staging, tabs etc
  • Technical equipment (PA, lanterns etc)
• Foyer/reception/box office area (could be open plan)
• Cloaks - storage area (could be open plan)

Draft two December 2005

Under the Edge Arts is supported by Wotton Town Trust and the Wotton Town Council.

Wotton Arts Project is a registered charity - number 1112129

Copyright © 2003 Under the Edge Arts