Double cash boost for Saltash arts and leisure
Saltash was given a huge boost this week - with the announcement that funds are to be made available for two large leisure projects in the town.
Caradon district councillors have approved plans for a £2.4 million second phase of development at Saltash leisure centre, while the council has also been awarded a Lottery fund for the Saltmill project.
The phase two leisure centre proposals, which have been designed by the district council's own architects, are based around a full sized sports hall which can be adapted for performances by use of retractable seating and demountable staging. In addition it is planned to provide two squash courts, further enlarge the fitness suite, and add a large exercise/dance studio and other ancillary facilities such as changing rooms, office accommodation etc.
The scheme is currently within Caradon's capital programme to start in the year 2002.
The council's leisure services manager, Derek Fairhall, said: 'The proposals to extend the centre in Saltash to provide such a wide range of additional facilities is further evidence of the council's commitment to providing first class leisure facilities for both residents and visitors alike. The proposed versatility of the sports hall will also benefit the area in providing a performance space capable of staging large productions.'
The £100,000 award from the Arts Council of England Lottery fund will be put towards public and visual art to a value of £117,000 on the Saltmill project. The money will allow work to proceed on sculptures, landscape artwork, a colourful and abstract design for the floor of the BMX area and designs for granite and timber seats.
Also included in the scheme are training opportunities for artists in the early stages of their career, an art weekend which will give the local community the chance to participate in the various art forms being developed for the site, and an opening event to mark completion of the project. Throughout the whole process the community will be involved through displays, talks and participation.
The total £2.6 million Saltmill Millennium project will also include an all-weather pitch, changing and parking facilities, a BMX track, skate boarding area, walkways and viewing areas, an events area and comprehensive landscaping. The works should all be completed by September 2000.
The scheme is being developed through a partnership between Caradon and Groundwork Plymouth area. The arts Lottery bid was drawn up by Groundwork and its executive director, Jon Andrewes, said: 'This is a great opportunity for local artists to work alongside nationally recognised artists to develop a centre of excellence for Cornwall. We see the project as being an outdoor Tate Gallery for South East Cornwall where people can enjoy and interact with art.'