3rd February 2012

SIDMOUTH: Plans for theatre trust move forward

PLANS for the Manor Pavilion Theatre and Arts Centre in Sidmouth to be run by a trust have taken a step forward.

The Manor Pavilion is currently owned and managed by East Devon District Council, but discussions have been ongoing with a view to the theatre being administered by a trust under the auspices of Sidmouth Town Council.

Town clerk Tina Jarrett wrote to Mark Williams, chief executive of East Devon District Council, informing him of five key resolutions passed by the town council in November.

At that meeting the town council resolved that a bid would be made to EDDC for sufficient funding to be allocated for the renovation and enhancement of the Manor Pavilion.

They also decided to ask the district council to continue its subsidy on a reducing scale over five years, paid quarterly in advance.

A request was made for the Manor Pavilion car park to be transferred to Sidmouth Town Council for a nominal sum and to defer any decisions on the Manor Road car park until the matter was resolved.

It is the town council’s intention to invite interested parties to offer their services as trustees.

Mr Williams replied that the district council would entertain a bid for funding for the renovation of the building. The question of continue the existing subsidy on a reducing scale could be discussed in more detail and he confirmed that passing over of the car park for a nominal sum provided there was a clawback covenant should the town council decide to dispose of the property for housing or any other development.

Mr Williams noted the town council’s intention to seek trustees and their request to defer any decisions on Manor Road car park until the matter was resolved.

Mr William’s responses will go before a meeting of the full town council on Monday.

• The Manor Pavilion was originally built as a dance hall before being converted into a theatre with raised seating in the early 1970s.

The theatre seats 277 and is open all year round.

• During the summer, the venue is the home to the Charles Vance repertory company, presenting 14 different plays in three months. Other times of the year, local amateur and professional companies present weekly and one night productions covering all aspects of entertainment.

SIDMOUTH: Plans for theatre trust move forward

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