Leading arts organisations speak out in support of new Winter Gardens

2.26.50pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 24th Apr 2007

All the partners highlighted a key goal of theirs is to offer music education and experience to all young people in Bournemouth.

Lib Dem proposals for a unique arts performance and education centre have been backed by leading arts organisations in deputations to Bournemouth Council.

A representative from Bournemouth Chamber Music Society told councillors that Bournemouth's current venues were not adequate. The Society is one of nine in the UK, and attracts internationally renowned performers. It currently puts on performances in a school hall and have to manage with make-shift changing facilities. 'We will feel totally let down by the Council if it ignores the results of its consultation,' councillors were told. 'You have procrastinated for long enough.'

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will be using the venue, if built, for performances which compliment the Pavilion. The unique set of partnerships were identified as central to the success of the scheme. Among the comments made were that 'the possibility of collaboration with (Dance South West) could be of national significance' and 'It is a place where dreams could become a reality'.

Dance South West requires the Winter Gardens as a regional base, something which the whole south-west of England, including Bournemouth, isn't able to provide. The Winter Gardens will be used to host high profile events. But, if the scheme is cancelled by the Conservatives, it was made clear that Dance South West will have no reason to stay in Bournemouth. 'We would seek facilities elsewhere,' their representative said. Councillors were clearly told by Dance South West that the Winter Gardens does not duplicate existing provision, something the Conservatives are claiming.

All the partners highlighted a key goal of theirs is to offer music education and experience to all young people in Bournemouth. Other partners include the Arts Institute and Bournemouth University.

The Winter Gardens will be run by an independent trust, which already has a board recruited from the community. The Council's independent auditors have made reviewed the financial plan twice, and say it 'shows a compelling vision.'

The choice is clear:

• Education, the arts, and an alternative to pubs and nightclubs with the Liberal Democrats, or

• Luxury flats from the Conservatives.

But don't take our word for it. Independent Councillor Ron Whittaker summed up the Conservative position, saying:

'Lets not kid ourselves. This is what it's [the Conservative plan] about: flog the site'.