THE Crediton Heart Project has some exciting plans to develop a community arts venue on the edge of Newcombes Meadow and it wants to know what you think.

The Park House would include a flexible performance space, with seating for 300, rooms for other community activities and a beautiful café opening onto the park.

The Heart Project says it would provide a welcoming and inclusive place to meet, learn and create together in the heart of our town.

It adds: “Built on the site of the dilapidated Union Road toilet block, between the War Memorial and Bike Shed, the Park House could offer amazing opportunities for local and national performance groups and bring many more events to our area, including theatre, cinema, dance, comedy and live music.

“It would transform our park and regenerate our town centre.”

WHY DO WE NEED THE PARK HOUSE?

The Heart Project adds: “Crediton and its surrounding villages are important and vibrant communities in Mid Devon. We are more than a stop on the way to the north coast beaches.

“We have an attractive and successful High Street, a lively arts scene and brilliant community groups working hard to create a stimulating and supportive environment.

“But Crediton is expanding – by 2030 there will be an estimated 21,000 people living in our town and surrounding villages.

“To avoid it becoming a dormitory town for Exeter, we need to provide the spaces and facilities to ensure that people can choose to spend their leisure time locally and that our community continues to thrive.

“We want to keep the heart in Crediton and the Park House would help us to do this.”

The project is being led by the Crediton Heart Project, with support from Crediton Town Council and Mid Devon District Council.

The Heart Project is a volunteer led charity, set up in 2018 with the key aim of developing a new community venue.

Since then it has been exploring possible sites, developing partnerships and running a range of successful projects such as the Crediton Heart Project community website, an annual Summer Arts Festival and, most recently, the Kick Start Art project for children.

Rosemary Stephenson, Chair, Crediton Heart Project, explained: “Last year the Newcombes Meadow site became available so we commissioned a feasibility study by award winning theatre designers, Foster Wilson Size.

“They concluded the site could accommodate a 300-seat professionally equipped theatre suitable for a wide range of performances and events. The Park House hasn’t been designed yet, but we have a computer generated image of what it could look like.”

WHO ELSE IS INVOLVED?

The Heart Project has been sharing their plans with local performance groups who are keen to see this happen.

“For us it’s fantastic, we’re really excited about this project,” said Sophie Stevens of S&G Dance Academy at a recent meeting of local groups.

Vicky Evans, Head of Drama at QE School noted: “The Park House would elevate what we are able to do with our productions and give our students the experience of being in a more professional environment.”

Former QE student, Luca Vaccari, who is now a professional dancer, perhaps summed up the feeling of many at the meeting. “It’s really thrilling that Crediton could have something like this. I think it’s something that Crediton needs.”

WHERE WILL THE MONEY COME FROM?

The Project says it aims to secure funding from central government and the National Lottery, along with help from grant making charities and trust funds.

It will also be inviting support from the local community proclaiming “every contribution will help bring this vision to life”.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Rosemary added: “This is a hugely ambitious project with the potential to benefit everyone in our community. But before we take the next steps we need to know what people in the town and surrounding villages think.

“Would you use the Park House? If so, what sort of events and activities would you attend?

“We would be very grateful if you could share your views by completing a short survey available via this link or by emailing: [email protected] .

“Paper copies of this survey are also available at Crediton Library and Crediton Town Council.

“The information you provide will be vital to the next phase of planning and, eventually, securing the major funding we will need. Thank you.”

• Why not share your views with fellow Crediton Courier readers?

Email a letter with your opinion, expressions of support or concerns with your name, address and a daytime telephone number to: [email protected] .

Alternatively, send a letter to: The Editorial Manager, Crediton Courier, c/o Crediton Library, Belle Parade, Crediton EX17 2AA.