‘Pavilion dream lives, but we’re ready to rethink’
dacorum pavilion, hemel hempstead landmark until demolished in 2002
The chairman of Dacorum’s leading arts group has posted a withering review of a ‘unilaterial’ decision to scrap plans for a new venue in Hemel Hempstead.
Brian Doran was closely involved in drawing up the blueprint for a venue to replace the Dacorum Pavilion, demolished more than 10 years ago.
And while he admits that changing circumstances – including the economic crisis and new or revamped theatres in Aylesbury and Watford – mean that the scheme may need to be scaled back it is still needed, and would still bring business to the town.
“Abandoning all hope of a new venue would be regressive, not regenerative, for the town,” he said.
“With this damming blow I fear we are as far away now from the reality of a new arts venue as we were the day the Pavilion was demolished.”
He took issue with Councillor Terry Douris, Dacorum Borough Council’s portfolio holder for planning and regeneration, who said theatres in nearby towns could meet the needs of Hemel Hempstead, pointing out that most of the venues already existed when the decision to replace the Pavilion was originally made.
Although he highlighted progressive cuts in council funding for the arts in recent years, he welcomed planned improvements at the Old Town Hall and promised that the Dacorum Arts Trust was ready and willing to be involved in any process that might make an appropriate venue a reality.
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Sunday 26 May 2013
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