Plans have been lodged for a major transformation of the Florence Arts Centre in West Cumbria.
The centre, near Egremont, is part of a wider multi-million-pound regeneration project, which could see the site of the former Red Lion in the town centre regenerated.
Proposals for the Florence Arts Centre include an additional events space within in the existing building, which it is hoped will encourage more social and recreational activities for local residents and visitors to the area.
It is hoped that the revamp will provide a sustainable future for the venue.
The centre currently offers activities from theatre productions to art classes and has an exhibition space.
The new plans propose creating a larger entrance to the venue and open up spaces within the existing building.
The adjoining Grade II-listed Florence Mine would also be conserved using bespoke architectural design features and authentic materials to complement its industrial past, said architects Building Design North.
Key features of the Florence Arts Centre proposal include:
- A new heritage display area
- A larger café
- A new performance area and studio spaces
- The preservation of some of the former mine buildings
- Better access, parking and outdoor seating.
Building Design North added: “The new designs pay homage to the past, with the mine – which once produced haematite iron ore – commemorated with the inclusion oxide red cladding to both internal and external wall spaces.
“Substantial improvements to the existing building and surrounding landscape are also proposed, including new multi-functional areas offering increased and improved performance and studio spaces, Florence Paintmaker workshops as well as a large bright cafe with outdoor seating and views of the existing mine.”
Sue MacKay, director of Florence Arts Centre said: “We are really excited about the plans and more importantly, as a community asset for Egremont, so are our partners, supporters and local residents with whom we have consulted throughout the design process.
“The architects have been super patient and responsive to our evolving design ideas, coming up with new solutions to find the best fit for our multiple communities’ complex needs.”
Joe Warner, director at Building Design Northern added: “As well as creating new dynamic spaces for the future, maintaining and promoting the existing buildings as well as the unique culture and history of the site was very much at the forefront of our proposed designs.
“This is a truly unique development for the local community as well as visitors to Cumbria, so our expertise in designing modern schemes that preserve and embrace their past too was very much called upon.
“We have also incorporated multiple technical features that also align with Florence Arts Centre’s accessibility and sustainability commitments, delivering a scheme that is fit for purpose, can support growth by attracting new people to the area, has positive social impact and enables the centre to provide an expanded social and recreational offer too.”
If the proposals are approved by Cumberland Council, it is hoped work will start early next year.
The projects, plus work around Connecting Egremont involving access and signs, form a £9.7m bid to increase the attractiveness of the town, improve footfall and breathe new economic life into Egremont, the council added.
