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This statement has been revised to accompany ammended drawings which include the relocation of the police station within the Civic Centre ( and minor alterations to the elevations). It should be read in conjunction with an addendum ( prepared by others) describing the requirements/operations of the police
This statement has been prepared in support of an application to alter and extend the existing Civic Centre. It addresses various matters considered relevant in assessing the scheme.
21 JUL 2015
DEPT OF ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
The Civic Centre sits upon land between Farrants Way and The Parade. The existing complex was built in 1988/89 with minor alterations in circa 2000.
Following ongoing discussions, the Castletown Commissioners have agreed with the Police authorities that the Police should have as their base space in the Civic Centre and to this end the existing library has been allocated to them. In consequence the library requires to be rehoused and the display facilities within the foyer improved.
In addition, as the building is now some 25 years old, various elements require refurbishment/replacement, in particular the glazed roof to the foyer and also the level of sanitary provision for the public toilets. Also planned legislation for access for the disabled requires the Commissioners to give consideration to the provision of a lift to the first floor boardroom and offices.
All the above have led to the scheme now included with this statement.
As the proposals are for alterations to an existing civic building in the centre of Castletown which is an area designated mixed use, there is nothing in principle against the scheme. As the size of the building is being increased the level of parking provision will need to be increased but otherwise the detailed design will be assessed upon its merits relative to the existing building.
Ref: 444/14 Page 1
| Decision | Appeal | Castletown Town Commissioners |
|---|
As the relocation of the library is effectively only replacing like with like, and the increased foyer area will be predominantly for tourist information the main additional parking requirements associated with this scheme relate to the relocation of the police within the Civic Centre.. The old (existing) library, extends to some 90m and the four spaces allocated are shown on the location plan attached to the application. A dedicated space has been made available immediately adjacent to the Centre and three more in George Paddock within a short walking distance. As noted detail operational requirements are listed on the attached addendum.
Regard has been had to the Amey Parking Report for Castletown published in February 2013. It is noted that generally parking in the town, while requiring to be managed is adequate for the foreseeable future. As both the Commissioners and the Police are stakeholders in the Study the arrangements for parking included with this application are considered to be in accordance with the overall objectives and will not prejudice any more detail plans for the future. There is already a police station in Castletown such that the parking arrangements proposed are in effect re-siting the existing provision.
(a) Surface water drainage - The area of the proposed extension is already paved with drains linking into the existing system. The new roof will in effect only raise this surface so it will continue to drain into the existing drains. (b) Foul drainage - The altered and increased toilet provision in the centre will be linked to the existing foul sewers. (c) Mains electricity, gas, water and telephone - All are available and the service authorities have been contacted with a view to agreeing any alterations to their services.
The scheme proposes building between the two existing wings of the Civic Centre, if anything strengthening the link. The extension of the footprint towards The Parade offers the opportunity of a new façade to welcome pedestrians approaching the building. The elevation to Farrants Way is more traditional with the existing wall built up to two stories and a new clock tower included to visually strengthen the corner of the building. The roofs extend between the existing structures and while barely visible at close proximity, are of a scale and finish which will match the existing when viewed from a distance.
Castletown Civic Centre has served the town for a quarter of a century but now requires a general upgrade. These proposals should provide additional facilities for the townsfolk and will continue to serve them well for years to come.
Marshall Cryer Architects July 2015
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