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In early 2005, Medway Renaissance commissioned a Needs Analysis and Feasibility Report to assess the cultural need for arts and entertainment facilities in Medway, in the context of the needs of the local population and planned growth as part of the Thames Gateway. The brief for the overall study referred to a “feasibility study and implementation plan for new cultural facilities in Chatham Centre”. The report identified eight cultural facilities which Chatham urgently requires to bring its cultural provision up to a level appropriate for a conurbation of 250,000 people. These included:
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- an arts cinema;
- exhibiting art galleries;
- workshop space;
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- a contemporary music venue;
- an arena-sized music venue;
- an auditorium for visiting musicals, operas and conferences.
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A long term programme of delivery for these facilities has now started.
The Big Lottery Living Landmark Fund
The Living Landmarks Lottery programme, which closed for applications in January 2006, presented an opportunity to bring forward the development of the proposed auditorium – an ambitious project to create a world class waterfront civic space at Chatham known as the Medway Reach. Despite the Big Lottery Fund's decision not to shortlist the scheme in August 2006, Medway Council is determined to continue towards the realisation of its vision.
The vision
A shared place, presenting a wide programme of activity that inspires and entertains the people of Medway and makes Medway an attractive place to visit, live and work.
Transforming the waterfront
The Medway Reach project will deliver a large performance auditorium of regional significance, set in a world class riverside park, that will enable the celebration of live performance and create the opportunity for Medway’s citizens to assemble and enjoy themselves for popular entertainment and quality touring events.
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Integrated development The Medway Reach will be the centrepiece of a wider redevelopment of the waterfront, which will see the delivery of mixed use development ranging from retail, cafe, bar and restaurant, residential and hotel uses, creating a vibrant and exciting space which encourages and supports evening-time activity. The waterfront will be transformed by world class design and sustainable buildings of the highest quality, creating an enjoyable civic area that inspires the pride of the Medway residents. The project includes a feasibility study for a cable car public transport system linking the north and south river banks. Select the map on the left for a larger image.
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Community outreach Social inclusion and responding to community need is at the forefront of the project. A community well-being centre will be located in a prominent position at the entrance to the Medway Reach to create a community heart at the centre of the city, fostering a sense of belonging community-wide. The proposed artistic programme This will determine the overall success of the Medway Reach in artistic and social terms. An extensive programme of events of enhanced quality will bring many artists and touring companies to Chatham that cannot currently be presented there. The programme aims to include around 300 annual performances across a range of genres, including:
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- ballet;
- comedy;
- drama;
- dance;
- family entertainment;
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- music;
- musicals;
- orchestras;
- opera;
- Christmas events.
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Education
It is essential that the Medway Reach is not simply a presenting venue. Every visiting company and artist has the potential to be engaged in reaching out to the community, visiting schools and youth centres, talking to local groups and societies, running classes and workshops, participating in continuing education and outreach projects.
A key outcome, therefore, is the provision of learning and participation opportunities to develop and enhance the engagement of the people of Medway with the Medway Reach to ensure that it relates in appropriate ways to all segments of the community in Medway.
The aims and aspirations of the Medway Reach
Specifically, the project will work towards delivering the following aims:
- an artistic programme of enhanced quality and a wider range than that previously presented in Medway;
- the attraction, nurture and growth of existing and new audiences; from inside and outside Medway;
- artistic and audience development through education and outreach work with the local community and schools;
- an access action plan to eliminate physical, attitudinal and procedural barriers that might inhibit the involvement of particular individuals or communities;
- continuing public benefit beyond merely staging events.
The proposed development of the Medway Reach will contribute to the economic regeneration of Medway, create its own significant economic impact and raise the profile and recognition of the area, attracting visitors and improving the quality of life for residents of Medway.
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