Colchester: Joy over new community buildings

3:14pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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A FORMER MoD building is set to become the new rehersal space for the Mercury Theatre.

The ex-MoD gymnasium building is due to be transferred to Colchester Council next year as part of the planning agreement for the Garrison redevelopment.

And the Mercury Theatre has expressed an interest in leasing the building from the council.

The former medical centre on the Garrison is also due to be transferred to the council as part of the agreement.

Discussions are underway between Colchester Council and North East Essex Primary Care Trust and Colchester Citizens Advice Bureau over the building.

Garrison developers Taylor Wimpey will also transfer £750,000 to the council at the same time as the building transfers. The money will be used to fund renovation, refit and maintenance works.

Tina Dopson, Colchester Council portfolio holder for performance and partnerships, welcomed the initiative.

She said: "This gymnasium has been a much-valued facility for many years and we would have hated to see it fall into disrepair or disuse.

"We have managed to save it through the planning agreement for the old garrison site and I am delighted the Mercury Theatre have made a commitment to make full use of the building in the future for their own rehearsal space and for a range of community-based activities."

Negotiations will now get underway over tying down the details of the lease.

Colchester and Tendring Athletics Trust, Colchester CAB, the Mercury Theatre and the Royals Residents' Association had all expressed an interest in taking over the former gym building. However, only the Mercury Theatre indicated it wanted to sign a main lease.

Matt Sterling, community partnerships manager with Colchester Council, said: "The main point is the benefit we are seeking for the community rather than income.

"If there is a charge, it would be to cover the cost of maintaining the building."

The theatre is expected to use the building as its principal rehearsal space and a home for its youth, over 50s and disabled theatres. It could also be the venue for a summer school and other community activities.

Rachel Thorn, press and marketing officer for the Mercury Theatre, said: "We would like to thank the borough for giving us the opportunity to improve our rehearsal sapce and community facilities.

"It is a very exciting project for the theatre and it will be a great opportunity."

The former gym and medical centre are due to be trasnfered to Colchester Council early next year.