Be part of the (cultural) masterplan (From Hillingdon Times)

Be part of the (cultural) masterplan

4:00pm Thursday 25th June 2009

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The request for submissions to cultural plans for the town on Watford Borough Council's website may now have closed but the proposals for a cultural masterplan for the town centre are still much a matter for debate. I logged on to the council website and made quite detailed suggestions but I was quite surprised to find some questions were limited to just three choices - what if i want a cinema, a new town centre park, family events and activities and much more besides?

Overall, what I think Watford badly needs is an area of focus where people can head during their leisure time. Cassiobury Park offers some opportunity for this, but the area around Watford central Library, the new-look leisure centre and along by the town hall is an attract prospect for an integrated arts space. I was extremely interested to note the council are considering rethinking the use of the town hall building itself - which would be my prime choice of location for an art gallery with workshop space, drama facilities and dance, especially with The Colosseum situated right next door.

I also think young people in the town need a community centre where they can get together in a non-commercial environment and take part in free workshop activities or just chat.

What do you think? Add your comments below.

Here are some of the suggestions to consider which came out of a residents survey Watford Borough Council ran in 2007:

*a cinema

*a wider and more varied programme at The Colosseum

*more art and cultural facilities and activities

*more eating and drinking places and a café culture

*activities for young teenagers

*free events and festivals

*more family friendly venues and family nights

To bring these ideas together and make sure the varied needs of the town are considered, Watford Borough Council has started work on what is known as a cultural masterplan, which will provide a vision and framework for future cultural provision in the town.

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