'Creative village' for Sneinton square
THE new Sneinton Square could feature a "creative village".
It would be built on land next to the replacement for the Victoria leisure centre.
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David Mellen said it the project was very exciting
Supporters hope the scheme will provide three rehearsal studios, production "spaces", creative-business units, offices and training and networking rooms.
The city council has entered into an agreement for a lease with Dance4, a not-for-profit national agency currently based in Hockley.
Dance4 was given the right to a 150-year lease of the land with a "peppercorn" rent – a nominal payment – on the condition it could get planning consent and funding within two years.
The Nottingham Creative Village project was discussed by ward councillors at this week's St Ann's and Dales area committee meeting.
Dales ward councillor David Mellen said: "It's really exciting, three things coming together: Dance4, the new leisure centre and the new square. It's going to have a real effect on the area.
"It's about providing a leisure centre and a square that's going to last our generation and our children's generation, and the people of St Ann's and Sneinton, for time to come."
Fellow Dales ward councillor Ken Williams said: "I'm really optimistic that in the next two to three years we will see huge change."
The creative village would be used for training, education and public performances and offer a shop.
The site is 0.37 acres and fronts Brook Street.
Other options considered by the council included selling the surplus land, or waiting until the property market picks up before doing so. Instead, the land will be safeguarded for two years, to enable Dance4 to work on its proposals.
The present Victoria leisure centre is set to close at the end of March – a year earlier than planned – in a decision which will save the council £395,000 in running costs.
The campaign group Save Victoria Baths is trying to prevent this.
Consultation on the new Sneinton Square is still taking place. Work will start by the end of this year and be completed by November 2011.
caroline.lowbridge@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk
10 Comments
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by Mae Browne, New Basford
Thursday, February 04 2010, 2:48PM
“What a fantastic idea, that will help to lift this forgotten part of the city, opening up Hockley which can only mean good things for the independent businesses and traders that have been struggling to keep afloat in these difficult times. Can't wait for it.”
by Andyman, Derbys
Sunday, January 31 2010, 2:11PM
“This would appear to be a considerably sized farce pandering to a minority interest.
What about providing real life skills such as training for work such as apprenticeships to fill the skills shortages the country is to face. How about providing some training for those of low intelligence levels to enhance their practical skils and ensure they become productive members of society, rather than the next generation of taxpayer funded criminals.
This would be a much more productive use of such resources.”
by Marcus Down, at School
Sunday, January 31 2010, 10:57AM
“Lesta, Lace Market
My sentiments exactly..”
by mg, st ann's
Saturday, January 30 2010, 3:56PM
“another yuppie idea from the council, why don't they simply ask the residents what they want instead of putting what the council want so they can brag about how wonderful they are? most people in st ann's and sneinton wouldn't use the "creative village" in a million years!”
by Steve, Mapperley
Saturday, January 30 2010, 2:59PM
“Is it just me, or does David Mellen look like he's cracking one off in that picture?”