Campaigners turn up pressure in Taunton Gaumont bid (From Somerset County Gazette)

Campaigners turn up pressure in Taunton Gaumont bid

6:30am Monday 3rd August 2009

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A NEW group pressing for Taunton’s former Gaumont Theatre – now Mecca Bingo – to be turned into a multi-purpose entertainment venue is increasing its pressure on Taunton Deane Council.

Project Gaumont, led by retired salesman and theatre enthusiast Jim Laflin, says it has received a letter of support from the planning authority, Taunton Deane Council.

The group now wants the council to adopt a formal policy on the historic building, which once hosted concerts by groups like The Beatles, to ensure it would continue as an entertainment venue, should Rank ever chose to relocate.

Project Gaumont says it wants to work with building owner Rank, which successfully operates Mecca Bingo there.

The group proposes a £multi-million investment by Rank to turn the building into an arts and entertainment centre with a 1,500-seat theatre, bingo hall, youth club, roof restaurant, art gallery, bars, cafes, a small casino, and a covered outdoor arena on Castle Green capable of hosting concerts with an audience of 5,000 people.

Members say making the building multi-purpose would increase its profitability.

Mr Laflin said: “We believe Rank would be the perfect company to implement Project Gaumont’s proposals.

“The new centre would complement the Brewhouse theatre and would show productions such as Lloyd-Webber musicals, opera, ballet and star performers.

“The outside arena would attract international names like Barry Manilow, Beyoncé, Bon Jovi and Neil Diamond.”

The group has received a letter from Cllr Fran Smith, Taunton Deane Council portfolio holder for economic development, saying the authority supports the proposal in principle, with some reservations about its viability.

Council leader Ross Henley told the County Gazette: “It’s a listed building with a planning condition as an entertainment venue. That gives the building the necessary protection it requires.”

A Rank spokesman said: “We would be happy for Mr Laflin to submit his proposals to us and we would give them our consideration.”

Tell us what you think of the idea – comment on-line at somersetcountygazette.co.uk or text us at 80360 starting your message with the keywords COUNTY GAZETTE. Normal text rates apply.

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