Published: January 22, 2008
Multi-million pound overhaul for Burnham's Princess Hall edges closer

Ambitious plans for a multi-million pound overhaul of Burnham-On-Sea's Princess Hall edged closer on Monday (January 21st) when town councillors gave their stamp of approval to the project so far.

Nigel Grainge, the architect appointed by Sedgemoor District Council to look after the scheme, (pictured) unveiled brand new images of the planned '21st century modernisation' of the hall, along with a map showing some of the regeneration improvements that are being proposed for the centre of Burnham.

While town councillors expressed concerns about the huge - and as yet unknown - costs of the project, they welcomed the idea of transforming the hall into a thriving community resource able to accommodate up to 600 people.

"The new centre would be a magnetic, exciting, and a hugely creative place open to all," said Mr Grainge. "It's a golden chance to reach out to all ages." He added that the current 200 square metres of space in the building would be expanded to 800 square metres.

The new-look Princess would be able to co-locate 53 clubs and community associations, plus local adult learning and leisure programmes run by the County Council, along with performance groups and clubs.

A large atrium would be introduced in the centre of the hall, along with a huge glass frontage at the front of the building, alongside meeting areas on three floors - as first reported by Burnham-On-Sea.com last November.

Burnham's Deputy Mayor, Cllr Neville Jones, pressed Mr Grainge on the costs of the project, asking: "What do you think, using your best judgement, will be the cost of the new hall. As a trained architect, do have you a concept of the cost?"

But Mr Grainge declined to answer directly: "My view is irrelevant here. I haven't been given a target figure to aim at - it's the job of the design team to focus on costs when they put together the project's business case during the next phase of the project."

"Burnham should be aiming high here - not looking to merely satisfy the community - but to be courageous and try to aim above aspirations."

It was revealed during Monday's meeting that proposals to introduce extra parking facilities near The Princess have already been discussed with the County Council.

"For the centre to really 'hum' and take off, plenty of parking would be needed nearby," said Mr Grainge.

"That's why we're seeking to introduce 60 extra parking spaces on land at the rear of the Adult Learning Centre. The revenue from these parking spaces alone could generate more income than selling off the site."

Cllr Ken Smout said he was "frustrated" by the District Council's change of heart over the future of The Princess.

"Only two years ago, Sedgemoor couldn't get rid of this building fast enough, yet now they're considering this. It frustrates me that a community centre was not looked at before now."

But Doug Bamsey, Corporate Director at the district council, said the current scheme is simply part of the hall's long-term evolution. "It's been a journey towards getting something better," he said. "We've come a long way and Nigel is working closely with the community to put together a scheme that will mean the hall gets a much better chance of success."

Mr Grainge praised the support he has received from various community groups so far - principally Burnham and Highbridge Community Association, Burnham and Highbridge Regeneration Partnership, The Princess Users Group, King Alfred School Student Council, Burnham Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Burnham and Highbridge Town Council, Sedgemoor District Council and Somerset County Council. He added: "It's been a perfect collaboration so far which must not finish. Everyone's involvement is vital."

During Monday's meeting, which was held in the town council's chambers, pictured above, Cllr Dawn Hill, who is portfolio holder for regeneration at Sedgemoor District Council, said the "ambitious" project is right for Burnham and urged the council to support it and "go for gold."

But she warned that the hall must raise enough income to pay for itself. "It must be sustainable," she said. "We must make sure it is self-funding and that no extra charges are passed on to council tax payers."

It is currently proposed that funding for the project will be sought from central government grants, local councils, groups and businesses.