In this month’s Civic Matters column, Gill Pawson of Vale of Evesham Civic Society gives her reaction to Evesham’s bid to become the first UK Town of Culture and advocates for the Public Hall to be brought back into use.
By Gill Pawson
I HOPE that you read the story in last week’s paper by Lise Evans, announcing that Evesham had submitted a bid to become a Town of Culture. (See bottom of page for link to this story.)
Although I admit that I am not a ‘culture-vulture’, I am very excited about this potential for a new vision for the town, titled ‘Lift the Vale: Journeys of a town – stories of a nation’.
Our history and heritage are evident in the historic buildings in and around the town, which has more than its fair share of significant buildings, as recognised by those that have been granted listed building status as Grades I and II*.
Gill Pawson, chair of Vale of Evesham Civic Society. Picture by Marcus Mingins 3525003MMR2
Our large conservation area recognises this heritage in the town centre and provides some additional protection when changes are being considered.
However, the stories that this heritage can tell are largely only told in the many and various local printed publications.
What we need are engagement opportunities that bring our heritage to life.
The cultural programme that could be developed in the event of some funding would do just this.
A comprehensive and coherent programme would mean better use of our existing facilities to make a wide range of cultural events and activities possible. It may also mean that new facilities will be established.
I hope that now the Public Hall on Market Square is back in Wychavon District Council’s ownership and control, new cultural activities can be based there.
We were assured by the authority some years ago that money had been earmarked for the much-needed repairs and alterations to the building.
Alongside the redevelopment of the Riverside Shopping Centre, bringing the Public Hall back into public use must be a priority.
It will give back a cultural facility that has been lacking for 10 years, right in the heart of the town.
The redevelopment of the area of the Riverside will provide a mixture of uses, although residential provision will be the main focus.
However, the ground floor area is expected to allow for retail and leisure uses and hopefully, there will be space for a range of indoor and outdoor cultural activities.
This would ensure a continuity of cultural experience from the river, parks, abbey gardens, churches, and Almonry into the town centre via the Public Hall.
The Town of Culture application recognises the importance of the town within its Vale setting.
The surrounding villages and market-gardening areas need to be fully integrated into any development of new cultural activities and experiences, for the benefit of residents and businesses outside the town.
This would also allow visitors to experience and understand the full story of the local journeys that allow the telling of our country’s wider story.
In looking to our past, we must not forget to consider the future of Evesham.
The cultural programme must be designed to evolve as the town moves forward.
READ MORE: Evesham bids for UK’s first town of culture crown
