Plans for The Witham given thumbs up in Barnard Castle

Feb 9 2010 by Neil McKay, The Journal

AMBITIOUS plans to boost an attractive market town with a specialist regional food hall, a cinema and a theatre have been given a resounding thumbs-up.

The designs for the redevelopment of The Witham in Barnard Castle are part of a major regeneration project for the County Durham town.

Further plans include complete restoration of the original building on Horsemarket.

The scheme was unveiled last month by Barnard Castle Vision, a group set up to regenerate the town.

Features of the designs include a cafe and exhibition space, a 160-seat cinema, a theatre/conference centre and a food hall with a number of retail units.

More than 360 people have viewed the designs for the redevelopment of The Witham, and more than 95% responded with positive comments.

Barnard Castle Vision and the Witham Trustees made the designs available for the public to view for two weekends in January. In addition, they have hosted evening events to present the designs to Barnard Castle Town Council, Barney Guild and a number of invited guests from across the North East.

David Vasey of The Sweet Shop, Barnard Castle, said: “The plans for the development offer excellent community and commercial prospects for the Witham and the town – the commercial element of the new Witham is essential for the venue to be sustainable.”

Fiona Brookes, of Brookes Outfitters and Tailors, added: “We feel this will be good for the town by complementing what is already on offer, and then bringing more. The cinema will be a fabulous addition to bring people in.”

Deborah Jenkins, chair of Barnard Castle Vision, said: “We have received an overwhelmingly positive response to the ideas presented for the new Witham. There is a strong sense that the range of facilities will be of real value to people in Barnard Castle and the surrounding area, as well as visitors.

“Residents are currently travelling out of Barnard Castle to access these facilities – how fantastic it will be to have them here in the heart of the town.”

David Woods, chairman of Witham Trustees, added: “Visitors to the exhibition have been very encouraging.

“People fully appreciate the redeveloped Witham needs to sustain itself, and have taken a real interest in plans including as the Food Hall and the cinema. They are also delighted by the continued and expanded community activities which are planned. People in Barnard Castle tell us they are now eager to see the project come to fruition.”

The design information is in the Castle Gallery until Wednesday next week. It is open between 10am and 3pm daily.