Results of Lonsdale building study revealed

The results of a detailed investigation into the possible use of the former Lonsdale cinema building as a theatre and arts centre were discussed at a Carlisle City Council Executive Committee today (Monday, 17 December).

Carlisle City Council appointed Midlands based DCA Consultants, earlier this year, to undertake a feasibility study. At this is time, the consultants initial review was not fully completed, as they were unable to gain access to the building. This situation, however, was consequently resolved and with permission of the owners, the consultants were able to carry out the supplementary work needed to conclude their investigation.

The results of this investigation were reported to members of the Executive today. The findings were as follows:

• Not all the desirable uses (of a theatre) can be accommodated in the Lonsdale building i.e. larger secondary studies, good quality education and multi-purpose spaces and the layout/potential configuration and form of spaces would be less than ideal from the needs defined by the arts community;
• The main auditorium would be a ‘theatre in the round’ which has significant implications on the events that could be programmed, although this layout has successfully formed the basis for other theatre only venues;
• The currently ‘listing’ would provide difficulties for any adaptation;
• The capital costs in converting the building to meet the scaled down provision would be ‘close to equivalent to the costs of a new build theatre and arts centre’ (based on indicative areas this would be in the region of £12-18million excluding any building acquisition costs);
• The revised business case identifies the need for an increased revenue subsidy to around £530,000 with some concerns about future maintenance and energy costs.

The report will now go to Community Overview & Scrutiny committee, on Thursday, 17 January, where the consultants will present their findings and answer questions raised by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee members.