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Anger as Boscombe arts centre becomes 'social hub' (From Thisisdorset)
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Anger as Boscombe arts centre becomes 'social hub'
9:00am Thursday 23rd July 2009
A FORMER Boscombe arts centre is to be turned into offices for social services and other organisations working with children and families – despite impassioned pleas from angry campaigners and councillors.
After hearing from a deputation who argued that the former Bournemouth Centre for Community Arts building should to be transformed into a community centre, civic leaders yesterday approved plans for an integrated services hub in Haviland Road.
Cabinet members also agreed that negotiations should continue with the Friends of the BCCA in a bid to develop a community arts facility on the site and instructed council officers to “develop a co-ordinated strategy to continue the good work that has happened in Boscombe over recent years”.
A deputation, on behalf of the Friends of the BCCA, outlined their business plan for a community arts centre, stressing that it would “increase social cohesion,” raise aspirations and help curb antisocial behaviour.
They warned that the council was planning to take away “a symbol of hope” and that a decision on the building’s future would “live long in the psyche of the electorate.”
Moving the officers’ recommendations, council deputy leader John Beesley said: “There have been some major challenges in Boscombe. We have got the opportunity to utilise a government grant of £2.3 million.
“We must not allow that opportunity to slip through our fingers; if it is viable we will continue to work with the Friends to deliver community arts facilities.”
But Cllr Mike Everingham said: “This matter has raised such a lot of concern.
“I think we need a consultation to measure the public’s true feelings.”
Cllr Linda Bailey voiced concerns about where the 100 workers employed at the administrative offices would park.
Cllr Chris Wakefield said local residents were worried that the hub would be used for rehabilitation purposes.
He added: “We don’t want to bring more people with addictions to Boscombe.”
Cllr Christoper Rochester warned that the issue was “a hornets’ nest” and urged the council to consult the public before a final decision.
But council leader, Stephen MacLoughlin, said it was “a win-win situation”, particularly for the people of Boscombe.
The decision is likely to be rubber-stamped on Tuesday at the next full council meeting.
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Gastines, St.Malo says...
9:41am Thu 23 Jul 09
geoffrey, Bournemouth says...
10:45am Thu 23 Jul 09
jinglebell, bournemouth says...
12:24pm Thu 23 Jul 09
MissLiberty, Bournemouth says...
1:47pm Thu 23 Jul 09
Deke60, Bournemouth says...
6:42pm Thu 23 Jul 09
jinglebell wrote:So what are the facts? Here is your chance to state them. How much money has the Friends got to turn the Centre into an Arts venue? That would be a good fact to start with.
I think we need another public meeting and get the Echo to come and cover the story. The facts are not being put out. We need a Community Art Centre to help us turn this area around.
Gastines, St.Malo says...
8:05pm Thu 23 Jul 09
dribble, Boscombe says...
8:38pm Thu 23 Jul 09
It is not good for Boscombe and never will be.
This administrative centre will be bringing people with problems from all over the south of Bournemouth into the area on an 'appointment'basis.
Appointment my rather large rear end.....
The Council has sold Boscombe down the river.
Deke60, Bournemouth says...
9:26pm Thu 23 Jul 09
Gastines wrote:But can't it be better to have the money to do something positive than try and persuade people on a wing and a prayer. The 'Friends' are still not saying how they would finance the changes. The Council has put the money up front. Hard cash speaks loudly!
Only 6 comments? This is why your Councillors do what they want with your assets and input. Apathy seems to rule and your Councillors seem to know it.Pity the "Echo" isn't more of a local paper and investigating the reasons behind all these deals.decisions. Steamroller comes to mind, one person's view and no arguements to the contrary.Is there no-one in Boscombe with enough voice to ask what the he-l is going on?
dribble, Boscombe says...
11:04pm Thu 23 Jul 09
Deke60 wrote:The Council has not put the money up front. They have got a grant. The application form for which described a completely different site.
Gastines wrote:But can't it be better to have the money to do something positive than try and persuade people on a wing and a prayer. The 'Friends' are still not saying how they would finance the changes. The Council has put the money up front. Hard cash speaks loudly!
Only 6 comments? This is why your Councillors do what they want with your assets and input. Apathy seems to rule and your Councillors seem to know it.Pity the "Echo" isn't more of a local paper and investigating the reasons behind all these deals.decisions. Steamroller comes to mind, one person's view and no arguements to the contrary.Is there no-one in Boscombe with enough voice to ask what the he-l is going on?
This whole fiasco is not cricket and smells, almost, of corruption
jinglebell, bournemouth says...
3:32am Fri 24 Jul 09
thesyrup1, Bournemouth says...
3:41am Fri 24 Jul 09
Benniestewart, bournemouth says...
12:10pm Fri 24 Jul 09
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE SUBURBS HAPPENS IN THE TOWN
SO MUCH AVAILABLE OFFICE WHY CHOSE A LISTED FORMER VICTORIAN SCHOOL AND LATTER DAY COMMUNITY CENTRE IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA TO HOUSE A DROP IN CENTRE
marjorie01, christchurch says...
12:56pm Fri 24 Jul 09
MissLiberty, Bournemouth says...
5:10pm Fri 24 Jul 09
Boscombe is amongst the most deprived in the nation, funding shouldn't be a problem, when it was available for private-hire, the centre paid for itself!
FEARS: There is much concern over the council's plan for this arts centre
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ferret38, bournemouth says...
9:12am Thu 23 Jul 09