I have been working closely with developers of the Corn Exchange to help them bring plans for the restoration of this historic Old Town building. The site offers the opportunity to develop a distinctive scheme making the most of the listed buildings. I agree with many local residents who feel that for too long the Corn Exchange has been left to deteriorate and this is the best opportunity in decades to redevelop the building. I hope that many local residents will take part in the public consultation and let their comments be known.
The Corn Exchange planning brief will be considered at the planning committee on Tuesday 9 July. The planning brief and back ground documents can be viewed here with the committee agenda (item 11).
The Planning Brief media briefing and public meeting of the Corn Exchange will be later in July. The 8 weeks public consultation period will also start later this month.
A “Planning Brief” is a framework which offers a vision, and detailed guidance to any future development applications.
A working group including a developer, architects, planners and heritage experts, was set up last year to collaborate together and create a viable mixed use scheme for this highly sensitive heritage site. The collaborative approach taken has been praised by the independent South West Design Review Panel. They concluded that:
“The design approach is well considered and imaginative. Subject to careful architectural detailing the implementation of a development, based on the principles and advice in the brief, would lead to a high quality development which is respectful of the area’s history and character.”
The Brief document sets out information on the key issues of heritage, urban design, public realm, vehicular access and car parking. It establishes the principles for appropriate development in terms of the overall Corn Exchange site arrangement, its scale and preferred massing.
Cllr Nadine Watts (Old Town) said, “I have been working closely with developers of the Corn Exchange to help them bring plans for the restoration of this historic Old Town building. The site offers the opportunity to develop a distinctive scheme making the most of the listed buildings. I agree with many local residents who feel that for too long the Corn Exchange has been left to deteriorate and this is the best opportunity in decades to redevelop the building. I hope that many local residents will take part in the public consultation and let their comments be known.”
The Old Town Hall and Corn Exchange, Old Town Planning Brief
Additional documents: