The council’s wider vision for Old River Lane, developed over many years through extensive consultation with the community, is to bring about a contemporary, mixed-use development that will serve as a lively town centre hub for leisure, business, and the arts. For details of key milestones and decisions taken to date, please see our ORL timeline.
Charringtons House was always identified for demolition as part of these plans (as was No. 1 the Causeway on the same site). Water Lane Hall was purchased specifically by the council in 2019 for demolition as part of the land assembly and enabling works for the scheme. Repurposing the existing buildings to meet modern standards in terms of flexibility, energy efficiency, and functionality would incur significant financial costs (see more detail in the next question below). Moreover, these buildings, even after renovation, would likely struggle to generate enough revenue to cover their running expenses. This would result in an ongoing need for subsidies from taxpayers, which is not a sustainable solution in the long run.
Since the local elections in May 2023, the council has looked at various alternatives for moving forward with the project. However, altering the scheme to repurpose the old buildings would essentially require starting the entire process anew. This would not only introduce significant legal and financial risks for the council but would also cause substantial delays and setbacks.
Instead, the construction of purpose-built, contemporary buildings presents an opportunity to create a vibrant hub for leisure, business, and cultural activities. A well-designed, high-quality scheme will not only enhance the community's wellbeing but also contribute to its economic growth. A public consultation will get underway soon, seeking input from residents on the arts and community facilities they wish to see at Old River Lane.