Hello Everyone - sorry for the lack of communication but after the recent planning decision we needed time to analysis the situation. After much thought we have decided that while our plans for the building are significantly better for the building and the community then those put forward by Medinbrand - it seems that a significant number of the local population want to see a three screen cinema returned to the building. We are now in the process of shutting down the WLPH ltd and will post out any remaining rewards that were not collected at out Concept Art Launch Party. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who worked on and believed in the project. I still believe that Bristol is desperate for a new mid-sized arts venue that can host both touring and community productions - however without Bristol councillors acknowledging this need, I think it will be very hard for such a venue to come about - especially now that the Whiteladies Picture House (a building perfectly suited for such a task) is not available. With regards to the flats and three screen cinema plans we had many worries about the proposal - in particular that the contract with Everyman is due to expire in Feb 2015, with the recent news that Andrew Myers (The Everyman CEO) is leaving the company this year I believe there is a real risk that the cinema will not happen. Last year a public enquiry was held to see if flats and a gym (class D2 leisure) would be allowed - these plans were rejected by the planning inspectorate. This year a planning application for flats and a cinema (class D2 leisure) was accepted by Bristol planning committee. In planning terms there is very little difference between the two applications and so we could still see the WLPH become a gym or some other class D2 leisure facility. The planning officer and the planning committee did not address any of our fears and have put no conditions in place to ensure the cinema will happen. for this reason I am starting the Judicial review process with the hope of having these conditions put in place. While damaging Bristols last heritage cinema to create a three screen cinema may be acceptable to a lot of people - damaging that same building when their is doubt around whether the cinema will happen is not acceptable and so we must do everything possible to ensure Medinbrand keep their word and we do in fact end up with a cinema. The JR will be funded by my own funds and not by any money raised by the WLPH ltd. Once we have closed the company any funds remaining will be donated to another arts organisation in the city (final decision on who will receive this donation will be made at a later date). Yours Sincerely David Fells
Posted on: Wed, 23 Jul 2014 14:24:32 +0000
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