THE Crediton Heart Project would like to thank our fabulous community for turning out in such large numbers to our recent events in the Newcombes Meadow, the open air screening of the musical “Wicked” on August 3 and “Arts in the Park” on August 9.

The success of these events has strengthened our belief that the park is the ideal place for bringing people together and would be a great location for the Park House - our proposed new arts venue.

We would also like to thank those who have already completed our Park House survey.

An architect feasibility study concluded that it would be possible to build a 300-seat theatre on the site of the Union Road toilet block, with other spaces for community use and a café opening onto the park – creating new opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. But this project is at a very early stage and can only move forward with the support of our community.

From our meetings with local groups, conversations with the general public and responses to our survey, we have already received lots of positive feedback, as well as plenty of helpful comments and queries.

As this would be a town centre venue, parking is understandably a concern and we are exploring options to ensure access for everyone, including disabled drop off and parking.

The future of the War Memorial has also been raised and we are talking to the Royal British Legion about ways of enhancing this important monument as part of the Park House development.

We will be regularly updating our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on our website https://www.creditonheartproject.org , where you can read more about the project.

Our consultation will run until the end of September so. Please complete our survey online by visiting https://www.creditonheartproject.org or by picking up a paper copy at the Town Council office or Crediton library.

Your responses will help shape the next phase of the project when we will work with professionals to develop more detailed designs and to research the economic case for the venue.

The Heart Project, along with other local groups, has been discussing and exploring sites for a new performance space in Crediton for nearly 10 years, but this is the first time a site with the potential to achieve our vision has become available.

We are very excited about the opportunities and benefits the Park House could deliver for our growing town and we hope you are too.

Rosemary Stephenson

Chair

Crediton Heart Project

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