SPACE 4 ARTISTS FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR IMPROVEMENTS AT MANOR GARDENS

Manor Gardens Feasibility Study April 2006 THE BRIEF Vision: The development of a thriving artist-led workspace / gallery space supporting the growth of the creative industries sector in Bexhill and helping to revitalise Bexhill and its Old Town. The Manor Gardens site working to maximise its potential, to develop and engage a range of new audiences.

Manor Gardens Feasibility Study April 2006 The Partners Bexhill Artists Workspace Old Town Preservation Society Rother District Council Arts Council England, South East

Manor Gardens Feasibility Study April 2006 AIMS To develop a workspace / gallery for local artists. To create a market place for the sale of art. To involve the community and encourage life-long learning through informal education. To support the regeneration of Bexhill by creating a venue for cultural visitors. To provide professional development and networking opportunities for local artists. To look at other buildings at Manor Gardens for delivery of other cultural services. To improve the appearance and accessibility of Manor Gardens

Manor Gardens Feasibility Study April 2006 SCOPE OF THE STUDY Appraise suitability of buildings at Manor Gardens for use as artists workspace. Develop plans for conversion of Stable Building for use by artists. Develop plans for use of Aviary Building for use for theatrical / musical events. Consider other uses, access and layout of Manor Gardens.

Manor Gardens Feasibility Study April 2006

APPROACH Research artist workspace developments elsewhere where regeneration through creation of workspace has been successful. Identify appropriate business models to implement development programme and undertake ongoing management. Seek sources of funding appropriate to capital building project, and revenue costs.

Manor Gardens Feasibility Study April 2006 PHASE I - FEASIBILITY STUDY Review: Building feasibility Letting feasibility Funding options Prepare: Business Plan Funding applications

Manor Gardens Feasibility Study April 2006 EXAMPLES ELSEWHERE WOODBRIDGE ART CLUB, SUFFOLK

Manor Gardens Feasibility Study April 2006 EXAMPLES ELSEWHERE The Grange Gardens, Lewes

Manor Gardens Feasibility Study April 2006 BUSINESS PLAN Assess capital refurbishment costs. Appraise revenue costs and income generation expectations. Investigate letting options – income generation from appropriate leases and tenure. Identify risks.

Manor Gardens Feasibility Study April 2006

MANOR GARDENS PLAN

Manor Gardens Feasibility Study April 2006 SITE ACCESS AND USES

Manor Gardens Feasibility Study April 2006 Stable Block Elevation / Plans

Manor Gardens Feasibility Study April 2006 Workshop for local artists / education

Manor Gardens Feasibility Study April 2006 Office / Gallery / Artists Studios

Manor Gardens Feasibility Study April 2006 GALLERY

Manor Gardens Feasibility Study April 2006 ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS

Manor Gardens Feasibility Study April 2006 Performance Space Temporary Tensile Structure

Manor Gardens Feasibility Study April 2006

SUMMARY BUDGET Cost of Capital Works£ 245,000 Income towards Capital Works Old Town Preservation Society£ 100,000 RDC Contribution£ 90,000 Other Trusts Grants£ 55,000 Revenue Annual Running Costs£ 18,000 Annual Revenue Income£ 18,981

Manor Gardens Feasibility Study April 2006 ACTIVITIES & BENEFITS –Community use of redundant buildings. –Venue for local artist and performance groups. –Education, for both adults and children. –Community office and meeting venue. –Landscape and access improvements. –Refreshments and socialising. –Enhanced visitor attraction

Manor Gardens Feasibility Study April 2006 PHASE II - IMPLEMENTATION

Manor Gardens Feasibility Study April 2006 Scheme Renovate Costume Museum as artist workspace & gallery Creation of stage / structure Aviary Barn as dressing rooms Restoration of Cloisters as Café Walled garden redesign & relocation of rose beds Toilet refurbishments Garden access improvements for disabled

Manor Gardens Feasibility Study April 2006 Programme Mar 2006 Jun 2006 Sep 2006 Dec 2006 Mar 2007 Jun 2007 Sep 2007 Dec 2007 Project-planning Project Development Feasibility Study/Business Plan Apply Arts Council/ Other Grants Appoint Design Team & QS Develop Design Proposals Detailed costing & budget Develop management, access,audience dev plan Community Consultation Programme Initiate Audience Dev programme Consultation Implementation Project Implementation Continue Audience Development programme