Deadline looms for Wiveliscombe Town Hall project tender

TENDERS close at noon on Friday (December 12) for the project development and management of the restoration of Wiveliscombe Town Hall.
The town hall trust has secured £10,000 funding for the contract from the Somerset Market Towns Regeneration Fund, until March, 2009.
The trust was formed in 2006 to acquire a long lease of the hall from present owners the Co-op and bring forward the restoration and community use of the disused 19th century town hall in the centre of Wiveliscombe.
Following completion of an options analysis the trustees decided to appoint a project manager to take the work forward through negotiations with the current owners and working with architects Quattro Design Architects, of Bristol, on the design.
A feasibility study showed there was a need to address a lack of exhibition and display space in Wiveliscombe, a weakness in the area which impacted on business and development opportunities for artists and craftspeople.
In addition, there were opportunities for social enterprises in the media sector building on the success of 10Radio and Cinema Obscura.
Uses of the hall would complement existing facilities in the local area and were anticipated to provide employment, training, and education opportunities for the local community.
The Town Hall was built in 1840 for the Lord of the Manor at that time, Lord Ashburton, and was 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 led to a first floor ‘assembly room’.
It was purchased by the Co-operative Society in 1929, following which the ground floor was converted to shop units which are today occupied by the supermarket and by West Country Guns.
The first-floor hall remained as a venue for dances and film shows, with the last public event believed to have taken place in 1958.
For the past 50 years, it has remained empty.
The project manager would also be expected to undertake major fund-raising, including applications to the Heritage Lottery Fund and other agencies, as well as community involvement, and business planning for arts, cultural, and community uses.
The trustees have asked for tenders from suitably experienced individuals who can demonstrate the necessary skills and track record in developing and delivering heritage restoration projects with an arts focus.
Trust chairman John Bone said: “The tender timescale is short due to the requirements of our funders.”
Tender interviews will be held next week, on Wednesday, December 17, and the contract will start early in January.
More information is available from John Bone by calling 01984 623 441 or emailing john.bone@wtht.org.uk, or by visiting http://www.wtht.org.uk/.

• Our photographs show (TOP) the outside of the old Town Hall, the ground floor of which is now partly occupied by the Co-operative store, and (BELOW) the inside of the hall. Photos submitted.

Dulverton residents invited to drop-in to raise community concerns

A DROP-in session is being held in Dulverton to allow local residents to meet representatives of a range of community service organisations and raise any issues of concern
It takes place in Dulverton Town Hall (pictured) between 10.30 am and 12 noon on Wednesday, November 21.
Police, West Somerset Council, Magna West Somerset Housing Association, the county youth service, and Dulverton Town Council will be among the organisations represented.
Residents will be able to discuss any community safety issues or other matters that they would like to raise.
District council community safety officer Pete Hughes said: “West Somerset has low levels of crime but that is no reason to rest on our laurels.
“The council and its partner agencies are working hard to ensure that levels remain low, and a part of this work involves going out into the community and understanding their concerns.
“This is a good opportunity to listen to local residents and, in many cases we can offer reassurance or give further advice on the day.
“However, it also gives us an insight into how the community perceives crime and disorder, and how we may be able to act on their information in future.”
Anybody is welcome at the drop-in session and light refreshments will be available.
People who cannot make the event are being advised to contact the appropriate agency if they have specific concerns.
More drop-in sessions will be held in Dulverton on future dates to provide the community with further opportunities to meet representatives from the agencies.