New pavilion plans unveiled
How the Walter Gidney Pavilion could look.
Here is a first glimpse of how Soham’s Walter Gidney Pavilion could look if ambitious plans to remodel and expand the historic venue are approved.
The £1.25 million vision, designed by Cambridge-based chartered architects Saunders Boston, was presented to Soham Town Council on Monday.
And members unanimously approved the concept drawings and gave Saunders Boston the go-ahead to prepare a planning application for the scheme.
Darren Heffer, the firm’s divisional director, said he was delighted by the council’s decision to move the project forward.
He added: “Saunders Boston has been working closely with the council for some time to deliver a first class focal point for the residents of Soham and the surrounding community.
“I believe the pavilion would become a landmark building that would be more widely utilised by the ever-expanding population of the town and would provide a state of the art facility that Soham fully deserves.”
Under the plans, the building would increase from 459 sq m to 628 sq m in size, with the historic section of the building, which once formed part of a 19th Century mansion and currently houses the town council, being remodelled. The current rear extension would be demolished and rebuilt in a contemporary style.
New features would include a 150-capacity main hall, cafe/bar which could double up as an exhibition space, and a courtyard area. New toilets, storage areas and kitchen would also be built.
Elsewhere, the council chamber would be repositioned and made larger, with a hall for up to 50 people created off it. There would also be new meeting rooms, a council office and tourist information centre.
Outside, the road approaching the pavilion and car parking for the venue would be improved.
A planning application should be submitted in June and, if approved, work could start early next year.
What do you think of the plans? Email comment@newmarketjournal.co.uk
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Sunday 19 May 2013
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