You Said, We Did

This ‘You Said We Did’ table provides a summary of the key issues arising from the feedback recieved in our first consultation event and how we have engaged on the proposals and our response.

The summary table is provided below, showing the comments that were raised and our response:

Social aspect comments
The outside space at Place Saint Maur needs to be taken into consideration as part of the plans.	There is a significant opportunity for the Place Saint Maur to be a natural outside extension to the theatre foyer area and the new café restaurant, with connectivity between the spaces. The new main theatre entrance will be onto the Place, immediately creating more footfall through it to and from The Esplanade.
It would be good to have an outdoor seating arrangement on the Place Saint Maur.	The intention is for the new theatre cafe / restaurant to provide seating in the Place. This would be portable and seasonal initially, with the potential for permanent seating to be installed in due course.
The Theatre project needs to help extend the developing social, eating places area that is emerging in this part of the town.	The proposed new café/restaurant will add to the offer in this part of the town in a way that supports rather than competes with other local eating places.
The restaurant / café should be moved to south side of the Regis Centre to create a better view across the Place Saint Maur.	Place Saint Maur is located to the West of the Regis Centre and the foyer and main entrance are West facing with direct access to the Place. Constraints within the building, along with the former Brewers Fayre pub building being located on the South side, dictate the location of the café/bar and help to enliven and frame this interface with the Place Saint Maur. . ADC is looking at a range of options for the former pub – these are still under consideration but could include more food and beverage options. Further details on the options will be publicised in due course.
External design comments
There is insufficient detail on the design of the scheme for public comment.	The initial community conversation in March and April focussed on the design principles, rather than detailed design, which was emerging and evolving at that time. The next round of engagement will include detailed information on the external and internal design and materials to be used and what will form the content of the submitted planning application.
The design of the new Premier Inn and theatre should be aligned and consistent.	The Theatre is being designed to complement and enhance the local surroundings and context. The proposed materiality has been influenced by the surrounding context and a light brick will most likely be used. We have had engagement with Whitbread’s design team so that there is awareness of (and broad consistency between) our respective design approaches for the theatre and new Premier Inn. However, there is no connection between the two projects and the hotel will be subject to a separate planning application.
More information is needed about the Theatre’s external materials.	Detailed design work has been progressed, based on the broad concept shown at the first stage of consultation in March and April. Further information is being provided at the next engagement stage to coincide with the submission of a planning application.
The building materials should be chosen for their longevity and durability.	The materials have been influenced by the local surroundings and will be suitably robust to withstand the harsh coastal environment. Longevity and durability were a key factor in the design intent of this scheme.
More parking spaces will be needed if the Premier Inn hotel goes ahead.	The theatre rejuvenation will not involve the loss of any parking spaces, albeit there may be some minor temporary loss during the construction phase but this is still to be confirmed. The Premier Inn is a separate project being promoted by Whitbread. This will be subject to a planning application where parking will need to be assessed.
Theatre closure comments
The Theatre should be closed for as short a time as possible.	The theatre will need to be closed for safety reasons whilst the rejuvenation works take place. This is expected to be up to 24 months, but we will look to reduce this period if possible in consultation with the building contractor once appointed.
Will there be a temporary venue available to Arun Arts during the Theatre closure?	Yes, a temporary option is being explored and Arun Arts hope to continue to offer community engagement and a programme of theatrical events (AA).
Internal design comments
The new Theatre needs to be fully accessible for those with disabilities.	The principal aim of the designers has been to enhance inclusion and maximise access for those with disabilities, whilst working within the constraints of the site. The Theatre will have a Changing Places Facility, 2 lifts, 3 accessible toilets, and 6 wheelchair positions within the main auditorium in a variety of different locations to allow wheelchair users to have a choice of vantage point.
The proposed air source pump heating system should be ground sourced.	A ground source heat pump (GSHP) is not feasible on this project. The site has very limited external space and a large area of land would be required to install the GSHP, which this site does not have. Air source heat pumps are a suitable renewable energy solution for this scheme.
There needs to be more additional seating in the main auditorium.	The proposed design has maximised the number of seats available (up to 386 seats) whilst remaining within the existing envelope of the auditorium. Any more seats would require extensive demolition, structural adjustments, and expansion beyond the current building footprint (onto the surrounding land & highways) which would incur large costs that would be disproportional to the small gain in seat numbers. As well as the increased seating capacity, the sightlines have been improved and the audience’s comfort and experience will be greatly enhanced whilst preserving the well-proportioned auditorium. Furthermore, the new performance studios will be able to accommodate theatre seating and screening, alongside audio / visual connection to the main auditorium, allowing access for larger audiences (around 725 seats in total when all studios are set out with seating) in the centre to watch keynote theatre performances, as well as separate and independent performances in these intimate studio spaces
A new gallery for art exhibitions and installations would be welcomed.	There will be a dedicated space within the foyer, lobby and galleried areas for use as on-site pop-up art gallery / display space. When required studios can also be utilised as an exhibition space which will ensure an ever evolving and changing art display subject to external provider/interest. This will provide flexibility and scope for exciting exhibitions, events and building take overs.
The technical / production facilities should be modernised to reflect the new improved theatre.	The technical infrastructure is being completely renewed throughout the auditorium and stage house. This will now be fit for purpose for most produced and received shows.
The main auditorium needs improved sound capture.	The new infrastructure will include plugging points for most equipment on the market and the project will continue to assess the level of technical equipment that will be procured as part of the project. Further design work is also being undertaken into acoustic panelling and specification for the auditorium.
General comments
The community needs to be kept updated on what will happen with the former Brewers Fayre pub space.	The community will be kept fully up to date on what will happen with the Brewers Fayre building. A media release was recently issued to advise of the intended short term use of the site, now it is back under ADC control. The Council is considering a range of long term options for the site. These will be shared with the community in due course.
Market research should be done to ensure that there is demand for the extra space to be created in the Theatre.	An initial business plan was prepared to support the Council’s bid to secure the £12.19m of Levelling Up Funds for the project. This plan set out the expected increase in footfall into the rejuvenated theatre. This initial research is being augmented by a comprehensive business plan for the theatre that will support the forthcoming planning application.
More diversity is needed on the display visuals.	Further CGIs will include more diversity.
The project needs to be progressed as soon as possible.	A planning application is expected to be submitted to Arun DC in early summer 2023. If this is approved then work would be expected to start on site towards the end of this year.