Campaigners believe they can keep bulldozer at bay from Weymouth Pavilion (From Thisisdorset)
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Campaigners believe they can keep bulldozer at bay from Weymouth Pavilion
10:00am Monday 7th January 2013 in Latest
By Joanna Davis
CAMPAIGNER: Phil Say
CAMPAIGNERS say they can keep the bulldozer at bay from Weymouth Pavilion.
They are busy putting together a formal business plan to keep the theatre going after councillors said it was too expensive to run.
Theatre users got together to discuss the plan and show a united front to save the theatre.
The Save the Pavilion proposal is fronted by Weymouth residents Phil Say and Louise Domoney.
The business proposal will suggest using the theatre for ‘higher profile events’, such as touring West End shows and up-to-date comedians.
It could also be used as a host venue for BBC’s Question Time, theatre supporters say.
Mr Say, of sound equipment hire firm Atlantic Audio, said: “Although there has been much talk about local groups and the arts there will be much more emphasis on higher profile events.
“It is important to change the perspective of the venue; it does not have to be a black hole that sucks in money, neither is it somewhere for perhaps just the older generation and young children.
“Weymouth Pavilion would become a vibrant multi-space venue for music, drama, comedy, dance and all arts incorporated in an interesting programme which will include a range of workshops, activities and educational projects.”
There would be free and low cost events and more involvement with regular local events such as the Dorset Seafood Festival and the Weymouth Beach Motocross, the Save the Pavilion proposal says.
It is hoped that a theatre programme run by the Save the Pavilion group would attract visitors from outside of the area and bring in income to other business in the town.
“Hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops should all benefit from a successful venue,” Mr Say said.
Figures revealed in 2011 showed that the Weymouth and Portland Borough Council-owned Pavilion was costing £1.6million over two years.
Last month, councillors said the ageing theatre would be flattened in 2013 and turned into a car park unless there is a viable rescue plan.
Shortly after, Mr Say came forward with his rescue plan and claims he can save £260,000 on the council’s annual spend for keeping the theatre going.
Part of the plan would involve people volunteering to work as ushers and ticket sellers at the Pavilion. Training opportunities could also be provided by the rescue plan.
Mr Say said: “The Pavilion can also be a home to work experience and training, providing opportunities in catering, marketing as well as all technical aspects.
“It is not just performers who started out at the Pavilion that have gone on to successful careers but also many past technicians now hold responsible positions on many other shows.”
The business plan will be submitted to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council by January 16.
Groups Backing The Proposal
LOCAL groups backing the rescue plan include Let’s Dance, Friends of The Pavilion, June Hornby’s Weymouth Dance Studio, Weymouth Drama Club, The Curtain Raisers, Weymouth Camera Club, WOW Youth Musical Theatre, Hourglass Promotions, AsOne Professional Theatre Company, the Weymouth Operatic Society and the Weymouth Writers Group. For more information see savethepavilion.com or see the Facebook group Save Weymouth Pavilion.
Comments(63)
Trisher56
says...
10:58am Mon 7 Jan 13
Get some well know faces down here, summer show like that use to have, all sorts of things can be done, Tea Dances, Big Band show, I would love to help, but can not do much as for illness...
Tactical
says...
12:12pm Mon 7 Jan 13
wessex-andy
says...
12:20pm Mon 7 Jan 13
Also, whoever takes over must be responsible for paying all bills incurred from the time of take over, including rent, rates, power (gas and electric), insurance and any other day to day running expenses, plus building maintenance costs.
In addition, I would not wish to see ANY money paid by the council in the way of grants, etc. In other words, no contribution from ratepayers.
If anyone can come up with a plan that will not cost me, personally, in any expense at all (unless I attend a performance or function), then you have my backing.
As far as I am concerned, the Pavilion is an asset owned by the town and like any asset, it should be profitable. Therefore the town should come out of any deal with a profit.
It it can't be run at a profit, bulldoze it.
paulst
says...
12:31pm Mon 7 Jan 13
What an absolute waste that would be.
stench
says...
12:44pm Mon 7 Jan 13
Tactical wrote:you'd rather a car park?
For god sake just let the bulldozers in its old and out of date. I will be standing against you lot if you march down at the pavilion and halt the dozer's.Weymouths falling apart including the pavilion so the decision to remove it and build something newer is all good. Its a waste of space ! being used if and when events happen its simply not good enough.As i said ive started a group to counter act these people wanting to keep the pavilion. For once i think the council has made the right choice. membership now open for those who want it knocked down and gone. PM me.
Isosceles
says...
12:50pm Mon 7 Jan 13
The Felixstowe Spa Pavilion will close after the final performance of Aladdin on Sunday night. The council ended its subsidy and a buyer has not yet come forward. Without the £250,000 subsidy from Suffolk Coastal District Council, the theatre could not carry on.
Duckorange
says...
12:59pm Mon 7 Jan 13
Mr_Blue_Sky
says...
1:12pm Mon 7 Jan 13
More modern venues can cater for seated and standing/open-floor events in a single hall (Poole Arts centre for example). The Weymouth pavilion doesn't have this, it has the two separate parts, which leads to high maintenance costs, with one or the other being empty.
As much as I wish Phil good luck, I feel these problems may be insurmountable in the long-run, and bulldozing it, and making a smaller, more flexible venue on the site might be better in the long-term.
goonlinger
says...
1:31pm Mon 7 Jan 13
Sidney Hall
says...
2:13pm Mon 7 Jan 13
Then build a decent theatre near the Park n Ride. Much better access for all over Dorset.
goonlinger
says...
2:30pm Mon 7 Jan 13
Sidney Hall wrote:Grockles won't travel to the park n ride, they expect to see the local hall of entertainment somewhere near the center of the resort.
Sell the site. For the right money. A lot of money. Its prime seafront. Sell it for a lot. Have it managed by a third party and audited by another to make it fully transparent and to show it gets a really good price.
Then build a decent theatre near the Park n Ride. Much better access for all over Dorset.
Crabber
says...
3:07pm Mon 7 Jan 13
, such as touring West End shows and up-to-date comedians.
But the flea-pit of a p[lace would need a lot doin to it last time I went I sat in me overcoat fur dree 'ours
JamesYoung
says...
3:20pm Mon 7 Jan 13
stench wrote:Yes.
Tactical wrote:you'd rather a car park?
For god sake just let the bulldozers in its old and out of date. I will be standing against you lot if you march down at the pavilion and halt the dozer's.Weymouths falling apart including the pavilion so the decision to remove it and build something newer is all good. Its a waste of space ! being used if and when events happen its simply not good enough.As i said ive started a group to counter act these people wanting to keep the pavilion. For once i think the council has made the right choice. membership now open for those who want it knocked down and gone. PM me.
A car park generates revenue.
A large, under maintained money pit will cost more if the council ends up footing the bill when the community groups realise that they can't run it at a profit.
Bulldoze the eyesore, build flats or a car park, use the money to build a smaller venue, hand that over to the community group to run.
goonlinger
says...
3:55pm Mon 7 Jan 13
JamesYoung wrote:Ah James...you know the cost of everything but the value of nothing
stench wrote:Yes.
Tactical wrote:you'd rather a car park?
For god sake just let the bulldozers in its old and out of date. I will be standing against you lot if you march down at the pavilion and halt the dozer's.Weymouths falling apart including the pavilion so the decision to remove it and build something newer is all good. Its a waste of space ! being used if and when events happen its simply not good enough.As i said ive started a group to counter act these people wanting to keep the pavilion. For once i think the council has made the right choice. membership now open for those who want it knocked down and gone. PM me.
A car park generates revenue.
A large, under maintained money pit will cost more if the council ends up footing the bill when the community groups realise that they can't run it at a profit.
Bulldoze the eyesore, build flats or a car park, use the money to build a smaller venue, hand that over to the community group to run.
stench
says...
4:02pm Mon 7 Jan 13
goonlinger wrote:i was going to reply, but I can't beat the above :)
JamesYoung wrote:Ah James...you know the cost of everything but the value of nothingstench wrote:Yes. A car park generates revenue. A large, under maintained money pit will cost more if the council ends up footing the bill when the community groups realise that they can't run it at a profit. Bulldoze the eyesore, build flats or a car park, use the money to build a smaller venue, hand that over to the community group to run.Tactical wrote: For god sake just let the bulldozers in its old and out of date. I will be standing against you lot if you march down at the pavilion and halt the dozer's.Weymouths falling apart including the pavilion so the decision to remove it and build something newer is all good. Its a waste of space ! being used if and when events happen its simply not good enough.As i said ive started a group to counter act these people wanting to keep the pavilion. For once i think the council has made the right choice. membership now open for those who want it knocked down and gone. PM me.you'd rather a car park?
JamesYoung
says...
4:24pm Mon 7 Jan 13
goonlinger wrote:A common cliche, much used by those that don't have to pay.
JamesYoung wrote:Ah James...you know the cost of everything but the value of nothing
stench wrote:Yes.
Tactical wrote:you'd rather a car park?
For god sake just let the bulldozers in its old and out of date. I will be standing against you lot if you march down at the pavilion and halt the dozer's.Weymouths falling apart including the pavilion so the decision to remove it and build something newer is all good. Its a waste of space ! being used if and when events happen its simply not good enough.As i said ive started a group to counter act these people wanting to keep the pavilion. For once i think the council has made the right choice. membership now open for those who want it knocked down and gone. PM me.
A car park generates revenue.
A large, under maintained money pit will cost more if the council ends up footing the bill when the community groups realise that they can't run it at a profit.
Bulldoze the eyesore, build flats or a car park, use the money to build a smaller venue, hand that over to the community group to run.
The cost of the Pavilion is £800k per year according to this article.
The group proposes to "save" £260k.
That means the cost that you refer to is a princely £540k, assuming all the "coulds" in the above translate to "haves".
What is the value? And if it's ok with you, perhaps you could quantify it in hard terms?
JamesYoung
says...
4:25pm Mon 7 Jan 13
stench wrote:Good. Generally your replies are clearly trolling and unworthy of reasoned debate. Happy New Year Stenchy!
goonlinger wrote:i was going to reply, but I can't beat the above :)
JamesYoung wrote:Ah James...you know the cost of everything but the value of nothingstench wrote:Yes. A car park generates revenue. A large, under maintained money pit will cost more if the council ends up footing the bill when the community groups realise that they can't run it at a profit. Bulldoze the eyesore, build flats or a car park, use the money to build a smaller venue, hand that over to the community group to run.Tactical wrote: For god sake just let the bulldozers in its old and out of date. I will be standing against you lot if you march down at the pavilion and halt the dozer's.Weymouths falling apart including the pavilion so the decision to remove it and build something newer is all good. Its a waste of space ! being used if and when events happen its simply not good enough.As i said ive started a group to counter act these people wanting to keep the pavilion. For once i think the council has made the right choice. membership now open for those who want it knocked down and gone. PM me.you'd rather a car park?
bigfatlad
says...
4:30pm Mon 7 Jan 13
goonlinger
says...
4:35pm Mon 7 Jan 13
JamesYoung wrote:Sorry I misunderstood ~ but from previous posts thought you came from Dorchester
goonlinger wrote:A common cliche, much used by those that don't have to pay.
JamesYoung wrote:Ah James...you know the cost of everything but the value of nothing
stench wrote:Yes.
Tactical wrote:you'd rather a car park?
For god sake just let the bulldozers in its old and out of date. I will be standing against you lot if you march down at the pavilion and halt the dozer's.Weymouths falling apart including the pavilion so the decision to remove it and build something newer is all good. Its a waste of space ! being used if and when events happen its simply not good enough.As i said ive started a group to counter act these people wanting to keep the pavilion. For once i think the council has made the right choice. membership now open for those who want it knocked down and gone. PM me.
A car park generates revenue.
A large, under maintained money pit will cost more if the council ends up footing the bill when the community groups realise that they can't run it at a profit.
Bulldoze the eyesore, build flats or a car park, use the money to build a smaller venue, hand that over to the community group to run.
The cost of the Pavilion is £800k per year according to this article.
The group proposes to "save" £260k.
That means the cost that you refer to is a princely £540k, assuming all the "coulds" in the above translate to "haves".
What is the value? And if it's ok with you, perhaps you could quantify it in hard terms?
dorset & proud
says...
4:47pm Mon 7 Jan 13
bigfatlad wrote:We just need to send in a team of decorators, equipped with the same tools as they were in 1954...
I have a dream about the existing eyesore being replaced by a replica of the original Ritz.
stench
says...
5:11pm Mon 7 Jan 13
JamesYoung wrote:happy new year :)
stench wrote:Good. Generally your replies are clearly trolling and unworthy of reasoned debate. Happy New Year Stenchy!goonlinger wrote:i was going to reply, but I can't beat the above :)JamesYoung wrote:Ah James...you know the cost of everything but the value of nothingstench wrote:Yes. A car park generates revenue. A large, under maintained money pit will cost more if the council ends up footing the bill when the community groups realise that they can't run it at a profit. Bulldoze the eyesore, build flats or a car park, use the money to build a smaller venue, hand that over to the community group to run.Tactical wrote: For god sake just let the bulldozers in its old and out of date. I will be standing against you lot if you march down at the pavilion and halt the dozer's.Weymouths falling apart including the pavilion so the decision to remove it and build something newer is all good. Its a waste of space ! being used if and when events happen its simply not good enough.As i said ive started a group to counter act these people wanting to keep the pavilion. For once i think the council has made the right choice. membership now open for those who want it knocked down and gone. PM me.you'd rather a car park?
heartfelt
says...
6:17pm Mon 7 Jan 13
We could then go on to fill in the harbour (thereby saving maintenance costs) and utilise this reclaimed land as,____ another carpark.
Or we could find a way to make what is potentially a valueable asset become a viable proposition.
I'mavoter
says...
6:31pm Mon 7 Jan 13
heartfelt wrote:Ha ha. Love it ! Well done heartfelt.
Re: Mr Youngs post. Logically,we could extend that same carpark as far as the King's Statue to create an asset which 'generates revenue' whereby people could sit in their cars and gaze in awe at the 'upturned boats' and the viewing tower,each one generating revenue.
We could then go on to fill in the harbour (thereby saving maintenance costs) and utilise this reclaimed land as,____ another carpark.
Or we could find a way to make what is potentially a valueable asset become a viable proposition.
Tactical
says...
6:45pm Mon 7 Jan 13
212 dorset
says...
7:09pm Mon 7 Jan 13
Green.S
says...
7:20pm Mon 7 Jan 13
Get a grip
says...
7:36pm Mon 7 Jan 13
212 dorset wrote:I think you will find it was a MBE
Cant Simon Williams OBE save the Pavillion?
JamesYoung
says...
10:02pm Mon 7 Jan 13
I'mavoter wrote:Yes, yes, well done heartfelt. A remarkable demonstration of "logic".
heartfelt wrote:Ha ha. Love it ! Well done heartfelt.
Re: Mr Youngs post. Logically,we could extend that same carpark as far as the King's Statue to create an asset which 'generates revenue' whereby people could sit in their cars and gaze in awe at the 'upturned boats' and the viewing tower,each one generating revenue.
We could then go on to fill in the harbour (thereby saving maintenance costs) and utilise this reclaimed land as,____ another carpark.
Or we could find a way to make what is potentially a valueable asset become a viable proposition.
A few points that you may have overlooked though:
1. The tower is making money
2. The boats are making money
3. The harbour is (or is usually) making money
4. The beach is our major asset
The Pavilion costs £800k a year and even if the ifs, buts and maybes in the business plan come to pass, it still seems it will cost us £540k.
Parking revenue in W&P was £2.5m in 2011 (dangerous things, facts).
So a direct question to you, too. What would you do as a councillor? Sign up to a plan that still costs the borough at least £540k and probably much more, because the facility is to big to succeed. Or take a braver view and axe car parking charges entirely across the borough from the end of September to the beginning of April, thus encouraging visitors into the town and benefiting local businesses in the off season?
Kaptain_Von
says...
10:36pm Mon 7 Jan 13
Green.S wrote:Oh I don't know, the council could promote it as Dorsets premier dogging spot and charge folks to watch the fun.
People are forgetting that the land which the pavilion sits on was reclaimed from the sea, It was reclaimed for the people of Waymouth and it was reclaimed for entertainment use. i hardly think that a car park will provide weymouth with any entertainment
Green.S
says...
10:41pm Mon 7 Jan 13
Kaptain_Von wrote:your post has made me smile :)
Green.S wrote:Oh I don't know, the council could promote it as Dorsets premier dogging spot and charge folks to watch the fun.
People are forgetting that the land which the pavilion sits on was reclaimed from the sea, It was reclaimed for the people of Waymouth and it was reclaimed for entertainment use. i hardly think that a car park will provide weymouth with any entertainment
goonlinger
says...
9:57am Tue 8 Jan 13
JamesYoung wrote:And the reliable source of your figures is? The council?.... scoff ....As the revenue taken by that car park would obviously have to be reduced when the venue has gone. Funny as the only time the overpriced terminal car park is near full is when there is a decent show at the Pavilion. Most Weymouth residents recognise this..Plus the added cost that would apply for the council to book other venues for their get togethers...doesn't really total up
I'mavoter wrote:Yes, yes, well done heartfelt. A remarkable demonstration of "logic".
heartfelt wrote:Ha ha. Love it ! Well done heartfelt.
Re: Mr Youngs post. Logically,we could extend that same carpark as far as the King's Statue to create an asset which 'generates revenue' whereby people could sit in their cars and gaze in awe at the 'upturned boats' and the viewing tower,each one generating revenue.
We could then go on to fill in the harbour (thereby saving maintenance costs) and utilise this reclaimed land as,____ another carpark.
Or we could find a way to make what is potentially a valueable asset become a viable proposition.
A few points that you may have overlooked though:
1. The tower is making money
2. The boats are making money
3. The harbour is (or is usually) making money
4. The beach is our major asset
The Pavilion costs £800k a year and even if the ifs, buts and maybes in the business plan come to pass, it still seems it will cost us £540k.
Parking revenue in W&P was £2.5m in 2011 (dangerous things, facts).
So a direct question to you, too. What would you do as a councillor? Sign up to a plan that still costs the borough at least £540k and probably much more, because the facility is to big to succeed. Or take a braver view and axe car parking charges entirely across the borough from the end of September to the beginning of April, thus encouraging visitors into the town and benefiting local businesses in the off season?
stench
says...
10:27am Tue 8 Jan 13
Kaptain_Von wrote:haha! this made me 'lol' :)
Green.S wrote: People are forgetting that the land which the pavilion sits on was reclaimed from the sea, It was reclaimed for the people of Waymouth and it was reclaimed for entertainment use. i hardly think that a car park will provide weymouth with any entertainmentOh I don't know, the council could promote it as Dorsets premier dogging spot and charge folks to watch the fun.
Tactical
says...
12:37pm Tue 8 Jan 13
PrincessR
says...
12:37pm Tue 8 Jan 13
goonlinger
says...
3:09pm Tue 8 Jan 13
Tactical
says...
4:19pm Tue 8 Jan 13
PrincessR wrote:where doesnt get used ? lol i love these people that comment and dont use even 0.01% of there brain before posting. Closing the seafront is a brilliant idea it will be awesome for people to have full acsess to whole seafront, could even have a market up along on the closed road. The pavilion is going regardless of the 16 men women and children that are opposing it. I just hope weymouth council do it sooner rather than later and brighten weymouth up. We have new sainsburys opening soon. And i actually think closing off the seafront will create more money for the shops as strange as it sounds. All round i think the council are doing everything right at the min , cant please everyone tho. 2013 off to a great start so far. we have only the council to thank, we may get a new theatre complex with cinemas inside and bowling people just need to be patient, at the min pavilion has to go and make way for something else thats the bottom line.
Do you mean knock it down to then turn it into yet another over priced carpark that will not get used?!
cateanne
says...
4:47pm Tue 8 Jan 13
goonlinger
says...
5:51pm Tue 8 Jan 13
Tactical wrote:no need for the insults...it just shows lack of class....perhaps the lady has done her research...perhaps she has actually observered how under used the "terminal" car park is. Except when Jethro makes his biannual appearance the car park is virtually a third full, even in high season. Why would we want a cinema complex and bowling alley, seeing as we already have one of each? Will knocking down the pavillion really help shops? What kind of research did you do to obtain this assumption? mmm let's see , we have a new Sainsbury's...yep that should help the town centre shops. We have have had the craft shops...remember Brewers Quay?
PrincessR wrote:where doesnt get used ? lol i love these people that comment and dont use even 0.01% of there brain before posting. Closing the seafront is a brilliant idea it will be awesome for people to have full acsess to whole seafront, could even have a market up along on the closed road. The pavilion is going regardless of the 16 men women and children that are opposing it. I just hope weymouth council do it sooner rather than later and brighten weymouth up. We have new sainsburys opening soon. And i actually think closing off the seafront will create more money for the shops as strange as it sounds. All round i think the council are doing everything right at the min , cant please everyone tho. 2013 off to a great start so far. we have only the council to thank, we may get a new theatre complex with cinemas inside and bowling people just need to be patient, at the min pavilion has to go and make way for something else thats the bottom line.
Do you mean knock it down to then turn it into yet another over priced carpark that will not get used?!
repiano
says...
6:11pm Tue 8 Jan 13
Simon Nicholas
says...
6:13pm Tue 8 Jan 13
Tactical wrote:New build?.
Weymouth council please build a carpark its needed i feel especially at summer there no where for drivers to park it would invite more people down to weymouth knowing they can saftley park in the town centre and then maybe the shops would get s slight boost. Get rid of the pavilion its a hand full of wanna be front page ehco enthusiasts that are trying to stop a new build there. Send the bull dozers is why waste money on a rotting plan when you can have a modern well looked after and money generating car park for weymouth.
There is no money in the private sector for any developments of this nature at the moment, unless you are Sainsburys, Asda, Tesco or Morrisons who are cash rich, and have no problems borrowing at the right rates.
Why do you think Brewers Quay remains mothballed, and this is mirrored all over the UK - new retail developments are on hold or in administration country wide.
The days of developers such as Howard Holdings are a thing of the past.
If the Pavilion gets knocked down, all you will be left with is a long term unsightly derelict building site offering nothing more than a comparatively small number of additional parking spaces.
Let the people interested in taking it over have a go with it - give them a year, and if they can`t make it pay after that time, alternative uses for the site can be revisited then.
You really don`t appreciate what you have until its gone.
Simon N.
PrincessR
says...
8:04pm Tue 8 Jan 13
Tactical wrote:Well firstly I was referencing two things, the huge car park that is already there and doesn't get used. Plus the story about our town car parks fares being so high it is putting people off coming here. So why would another carpark help Weymouth? Oh and maybe if you used 0.1% of your brain then you would realise if the roads were closed for your markets, how would cars get to the new car park? Maybe the condor ferry? Oooh wait a minute .......
PrincessR wrote:where doesnt get used ? lol i love these people that comment and dont use even 0.01% of there brain before posting. Closing the seafront is a brilliant idea it will be awesome for people to have full acsess to whole seafront, could even have a market up along on the closed road. The pavilion is going regardless of the 16 men women and children that are opposing it. I just hope weymouth council do it sooner rather than later and brighten weymouth up. We have new sainsburys opening soon. And i actually think closing off the seafront will create more money for the shops as strange as it sounds. All round i think the council are doing everything right at the min , cant please everyone tho. 2013 off to a great start so far. we have only the council to thank, we may get a new theatre complex with cinemas inside and bowling people just need to be patient, at the min pavilion has to go and make way for something else thats the bottom line.
Do you mean knock it down to then turn it into yet another over priced carpark that will not get used?!
;-D
PrincessR
says...
8:15pm Tue 8 Jan 13
goonlinger wrote:Well said!
Tactical wrote:no need for the insults...it just shows lack of class....perhaps the lady has done her research...perhaps she has actually observered how under used the "terminal" car park is. Except when Jethro makes his biannual appearance the car park is virtually a third full, even in high season. Why would we want a cinema complex and bowling alley, seeing as we already have one of each? Will knocking down the pavillion really help shops? What kind of research did you do to obtain this assumption? mmm let's see , we have a new Sainsbury's...yep that should help the town centre shops. We have have had the craft shops...remember Brewers Quay?
PrincessR wrote:where doesnt get used ? lol i love these people that comment and dont use even 0.01% of there brain before posting. Closing the seafront is a brilliant idea it will be awesome for people to have full acsess to whole seafront, could even have a market up along on the closed road. The pavilion is going regardless of the 16 men women and children that are opposing it. I just hope weymouth council do it sooner rather than later and brighten weymouth up. We have new sainsburys opening soon. And i actually think closing off the seafront will create more money for the shops as strange as it sounds. All round i think the council are doing everything right at the min , cant please everyone tho. 2013 off to a great start so far. we have only the council to thank, we may get a new theatre complex with cinemas inside and bowling people just need to be patient, at the min pavilion has to go and make way for something else thats the bottom line.
Do you mean knock it down to then turn it into yet another over priced carpark that will not get used?!
Tactical
says...
9:58pm Tue 8 Jan 13
-Wingl-
says...
1:26pm Wed 9 Jan 13
sapient
says...
4:36pm Wed 9 Jan 13
I am not convinced that the Pavilion should be considered such an asset in its present form. However, until such time as a strategy is developed it would be unwise to rush to demolish anything.
The one thing that the town does not require is another Car park.
What is required is a council with vision and drive, two characteristics which seem to be sadly absent at the moment.
Simon Nicholas
says...
6:27pm Wed 9 Jan 13
A well reasoned and measured post.
As I said earlier, you never know what you have until its gone.
Simon N.
Green.S
says...
10:13pm Wed 9 Jan 13
To access the existing car park Cars need to travel along the esplanade. The road is narrow and throughout the year summer being the busiest period pedestrians constantly cross it, sometimes without looking. When I say cross it I mean they do not always cross it at the pelican lights. As a result cars often have to apply there brakes in order to prevent an accident. I have seen this far too many times than is comfortable.
Turning that site into a car park would for arguments sake create say another 500 car spaces, would it be safe having another 500 + cars travelling up and down that road all day? It seems that people are getting so caught up with money matters that their simply overlooking the practical implications.
Tactical what is your opinion on this matter; I’m sure you have a colourful one.
ex sapper
says...
6:59am Thu 10 Jan 13
How about offering it to Merlin as Blackpool did with the Tower which is having work done at the moment.This would remove it from the books and would give a basis for long term developement as I am sure they have ideas
bigfatlad
says...
8:34am Thu 10 Jan 13
tackleberry
says...
1:54pm Thu 10 Jan 13
Why not concider letting Merlin have the whole site? Lets face it they run world class venues and can you imagine a roller-coaster sweeping down over the sea, and acts that want to appear at the Pavilion?
tackleberry
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1:54pm Thu 10 Jan 13
Why not concider letting Merlin have the whole site? Lets face it they run world class venues and can you imagine a roller-coaster sweeping down over the sea, and acts that want to appear at the Pavilion?
Green.S
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2:11pm Thu 10 Jan 13
In 2008 i walked the coast there is not many sea side towns which i haven't visited. Weymouth has always had something different but now it is sadly rapidly becoming just like any other sea side town. The pavilion needs investment not condemning. Two previous posters hit the nail on the head. Many people including our councilors Know the cost of everything but the value of nothing. I agree lets give a company like Merlin a chance, before making rash decisions.
markerpen
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3:03pm Thu 10 Jan 13
-Wingl-
says...
4:11pm Thu 10 Jan 13
Tactical wrote:lol, does this mean you're using 0.001% of yours? Thank the council? There are always plenty of investors waiting to jump at an opportunity. So why haven't they in years gone by? Because they've not been given one. The point of the Pavilion going is agreed. It's the car park that will replace it that's the point of discussion. Besides...if you close the front. How do you get the cars to the carpark, without blocking the towns traffic up?
PrincessR wrote:where doesnt get used ? lol i love these people that comment and dont use even 0.01% of there brain before posting. Closing the seafront is a brilliant idea it will be awesome for people to have full acsess to whole seafront, could even have a market up along on the closed road. The pavilion is going regardless of the 16 men women and children that are opposing it. I just hope weymouth council do it sooner rather than later and brighten weymouth up. We have new sainsburys opening soon. And i actually think closing off the seafront will create more money for the shops as strange as it sounds. All round i think the council are doing everything right at the min , cant please everyone tho. 2013 off to a great start so far. we have only the council to thank, we may get a new theatre complex with cinemas inside and bowling people just need to be patient, at the min pavilion has to go and make way for something else thats the bottom line.
Do you mean knock it down to then turn it into yet another over priced carpark that will not get used?!
monkeydog
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5:32pm Thu 10 Jan 13
JamesYoung
says...
2:08pm Fri 11 Jan 13
bigfatlad wrote:I don't think we need to worry too much about that. Despite the worst predictions there is not much sign of sea level rise.
Let's remember that rising sea levels will take the beach away in the near future....
JamesYoung
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2:14pm Fri 11 Jan 13
goonlinger wrote:Yes, my reliable source of information is the council. They submit accounts. These are audited and therefore have to be accurate.
JamesYoung wrote:And the reliable source of your figures is? The council?.... scoff ....As the revenue taken by that car park would obviously have to be reduced when the venue has gone. Funny as the only time the overpriced terminal car park is near full is when there is a decent show at the Pavilion. Most Weymouth residents recognise this..Plus the added cost that would apply for the council to book other venues for their get togethers...doesn't really total up
I'mavoter wrote:Yes, yes, well done heartfelt. A remarkable demonstration of "logic".
heartfelt wrote:Ha ha. Love it ! Well done heartfelt.
Re: Mr Youngs post. Logically,we could extend that same carpark as far as the King's Statue to create an asset which 'generates revenue' whereby people could sit in their cars and gaze in awe at the 'upturned boats' and the viewing tower,each one generating revenue.
We could then go on to fill in the harbour (thereby saving maintenance costs) and utilise this reclaimed land as,____ another carpark.
Or we could find a way to make what is potentially a valueable asset become a viable proposition.
A few points that you may have overlooked though:
1. The tower is making money
2. The boats are making money
3. The harbour is (or is usually) making money
4. The beach is our major asset
The Pavilion costs £800k a year and even if the ifs, buts and maybes in the business plan come to pass, it still seems it will cost us £540k.
Parking revenue in W&P was £2.5m in 2011 (dangerous things, facts).
So a direct question to you, too. What would you do as a councillor? Sign up to a plan that still costs the borough at least £540k and probably much more, because the facility is to big to succeed. Or take a braver view and axe car parking charges entirely across the borough from the end of September to the beginning of April, thus encouraging visitors into the town and benefiting local businesses in the off season?
I'm not seriously suggesting that we should build a car park there, but a car park that's only used by one car would cost much less to maintain and staff than the pavilion.
The figure i quoted was for revenue across the town. If you look at the monthly chart of revenue, you'll see that all but £800k comes from the period between April and September. Therefore, if you introduced free parking for up to 2 hours for the rest of the year, you'd encourage shoppers to the town in the off season but still generate revenue from workers. This could only be good for the town.
As a later poster has commented, we shouldn't try to be another tacky seaside town. Redevelop the pavilion site, build a smaller venue. The Olympics has proved that for large events you can stage something on the beach with removable ticketing systems. Get the money for the land and invest it upgrading the seafront. Maybe use the annual saving to subsidise car parking. I absolutely agree with the later poster on this - Weymouth has to change its image and invest in itself. The challenge is - where does the leadership come from?
weymouthlad
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9:14pm Fri 11 Jan 13
Caption Sensible
says...
9:36am Sat 12 Jan 13
Due to the current Council not being fit for purpose and for not upholding their Oath of Office, a number of vacancies exist for people with drive, energy, vision, ambition and financial acumen.
Please contact: W&PBC, North Quay, Weymouth, for further details.
satisfecho
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7:44pm Sat 12 Jan 13
weymouthlad wrote:http://www.bbc.co.uk
As a former Weymouthian, (born there in 1943, left in 1963) I have been reading these comments with great interest. Is the demolition of the Pavilion a done deal, or just a proposal allowing for general discussion? Personally, I cannot imagine a seaside resort the size and importance of Weymouth not having a theatre. I can remember standing on the beach watching the old Ritz burning and, young as I was then, thinking what a great loss it was to the town and wondering what would replace it. Of course it was soon replaced with the splendid, and at that time very popular Pavilion Theatre. I am therefore, at a loss to understand why this building has become a financial liability to the local authority. Does the fault lie at the feet of whoever is responsible for marketing the building as a suitable venue for shows, conferences etc? Rather than demolish it, as a last resort to save the building why not demolish that carbunkle that is the Council Offices on the North Quay and refurbish the Pavilion as offices?
/news/entertainment-
arts-20988187
Isosceles
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7:55pm Sat 12 Jan 13
Like the The Felixstowe Spa Pavilion, Sheffield arts venues face council cuts
JamesYoung
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10:07pm Sat 12 Jan 13
weymouthlad wrote:On the face of it, a good idea, but outside of West Dorset, it's generally not seen wise to give wealth creating land to a wealth consumer. The Pavilion site has a value way beyond that of a council office. North Quay has a value too, but nowhere near on the scale of that of the Pavilion site.
As a former Weymouthian, (born there in 1943, left in 1963) I have been reading these comments with great interest. Is the demolition of the Pavilion a done deal, or just a proposal allowing for general discussion? Personally, I cannot imagine a seaside resort the size and importance of Weymouth not having a theatre. I can remember standing on the beach watching the old Ritz burning and, young as I was then, thinking what a great loss it was to the town and wondering what would replace it. Of course it was soon replaced with the splendid, and at that time very popular Pavilion Theatre. I am therefore, at a loss to understand why this building has become a financial liability to the local authority. Does the fault lie at the feet of whoever is responsible for marketing the building as a suitable venue for shows, conferences etc? Rather than demolish it, as a last resort to save the building why not demolish that carbunkle that is the Council Offices on the North Quay and refurbish the Pavilion as offices?
WDDC and WPBC should merge on one, out of town, site.
Mr_Blue_Sky says...
10:18am Mon 7 Jan 13
The Pavilion needs to be an all-year round venue, and what the 6 week summer season crowd want to see is not suitable for the rest of the year.
The only reason the pavillion has gotten into this mess, is because the people running were so out of touch of the needs of the LOCALS (the ones who support it for the other 46 weeks of the year)