Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-05-20, Page 2Pa • e A2 - Goderich Si: nal -Star, ' Wednesda , Ma 20, 2009 1 • P RK li 30 The Soars GODERICH 524-781 1 8:00 Nightly t PRS mmeradallia Aim Allard Ciestuatine Content \.N( T. aX ` • May 22 - 28 TOM HANKS .S i)I;\1(rINs Fri & Sat 6:45 & 9:15 Sun - Thur 8:00 www.t-novielitlks .ca luny list ",,tt., 1-800-265-3438 CMS... nal 1• _-, i ��Sti' Zek. bit-. "DIRECT TO YOU" We- 1111 1'!' r l ri t i I'i - ca--u‘t/ UL u'r q • Outdoors - Sunrooms • Pools • Garden Areas GRAND BEND 238-2110 Hwy. 83 E. (2 miles from the water plant) 35.000 Sq. Ft. • 50 Sets on Display www.gocasual.ca We also manufacture: UMBRELLAS • COVERS • REPLACEMENT CUSHIONS Council learns arts centre 'feasible' Dave _Syh<le_ signal -star publisher A preliminary feasibility study to examine the pros- pect of developing a performing arts centre in the core of Goderich suggests the project is more than viable. Research and planning consultant Janis Barlow, re- ported to council Monday, May 11 that subsequent to their study that examined the community environment and reviewed evidence of the town's capacity for build- ing and sustaining an arts facility, the project would be feasible. "A cultural development is feasible here,' she said. "You have to establish a balanced program and•make sure that there is a balance between revenue and ex- penses for the facility." The town commissioned the theatre facility needs assess- ment in 2008 to examine the possibility of developing a per- forming arts centre in Goder- ich. The town had authorized a memorandum of understanding in 2006 between the town and Goderich Little Theatre, own- ers and managers of the Livery. Deputy -mayor John Grace and Warren Robinson co-chaired a theatre build committee that in- cluded members Mayor Deb Shewfelt, Larry McCabe, . Sally Walker, David Armour and Andrea Fisher -Lobb. The study assessed the market and community con- text for the project development, while identifying po- tential user groups and site options for the location of buildings and scope of the project. Grace said a devel- opment could position the town to tap into an emerging economy. "The study was commissioned to look at the feasibil- ity of establishing a cultural and performing arts centre that has the potential to anchor the downtown core," he said. "Would it be viable and can we be part of a new and emerging economy?" The town of Goderich has a rich history of perform- ing arts through the Goderich Little Theatre, a group that has sustained the performing arts and developed a loyal following. Barlow said the town could easily build on that tradition and support. "The town has been very successful in building a first-class infrastructure to enhance the quality of its citizens' lives and fulfill its role as the county seat and urban centre of Huron County," Barlow's report read. "In recent years, the town has enhanced its medical service centre, its library, its waterfront and its recre- ational infrastructure. Goderich little theatre has identified several issues with The Livery and expressed an interest in improv- ing and expanding the space. In addition the town is currently considering economic development and eco- nomic stimulus measures. This preliminary assessment of the feasibility of developing facilities for perform- ing arts and public assembly is part of these consider- ations." The reports suggested that Goderich would be able to build on the success of community-based theatre, music and dance productions and festivals and balance a program of resident companies and local rentals with variety programming. With a "It is clear from interviews and surveys that an attractive and well-equipped the- atre centre will be a popular location for meetings, training and conference activi- ties... The building program has identified a potential need for at least two theatre venues with flexible seating between 200 and 400 seats." - Theatre feasibility report theatre offering adequate seat- ing, Goderich would be in a good position to offer presenta- tions of touring music, variety, comedy and children's pro- gramming. In a small market like Goder- ich, Barlow said that rental uses of the facility would have to range from 80 to 140 days per year and that surveys suggested that two performing arts venues would each have a minimum of 100 to 163 uses per year. "It is clear from interviews and surveys that an at- tractive and well-equipped theatre centre will be a popular location for meetings, training and conference activities. Each of these activities can take place in the- atre facilities, but consideration may have to be given to including dedicated classroom or training space in the building program," the report read. "The building program has identified a potential need for at least two theatre venues with flexible seating between 200 and 400 seats" GLT has been indispensable to the preservation and branding of The Livery and Barlow said it should con- tinue to be a resident company, producing plays and providing educational programs in play -making. The report suggested that ownership of The Livery per- forming arts centre should be protected in the public trust and that governance of The Livery should be with a new, not-for-profit entity. She said the management of The Livery performance arts centre should be professional management. The reports said GLT should turn over The Livery property to the town in exchange for long-term role as resident company and that the volume of activity gen- erated by GLT would be vital to the success of the new facility. As owners of the performing arts centre, the town would need to leverage capital and operating funding, assemble the required property for the building of the facility around the South Street property and provide stability as the property owner. The report was referred to the theatre build committee for an in-depth look at the pro- posal. A recommendation will be forwarded to council at a later date. GODERICH PLACE Cali and book your tour today! 519-524-4243 Godench�PlaceFatabliahed Since 1992 - 1 1 1 1 • St rat ford Cinemas . :551 Huron St. : 273-6780 1 Show Schedule for May 22nd - 28th Night at the Museum Nightly at 7:00 & 9:15, Sat/Sun matinee at 2pm 0 03 Terminator Salvation Nightly at 7:00 & 0:15, Sat/Sun matinee at 2pm sr Star Trek Nightly at 6:40 & 9:15, Sat/Sun matinee at 2pm Angels & Demons Nightly M 6:40 & 9:15, Sat/Sun matinee at 2pm 1 1 1 1 1 17 Again Nightly at 7:00 i 9:15, Sat/Sun math's* at 2pm 111 1 ..+