Hartlepool NDC Trust
When Sian discovered the Places for Everyone programme in late 2009 she was already considering a number of capital development projects; the priority of which was the conversion of an old church hall into a new arts centre.
As Development Worker for the Hartlepool NDC Trust, Sian was not new to building projects. One of the Trust’s main priorities is to take forward the objectives of the Hartlepool NDC’s Community Housing Plan. The Trust is involved in the purchasing, refurbishment and renting of properties in order to tackle the decline in housing in the Hartlepool area.
"One of the greatest problems I encountered was unconscious incompetence - not knowing what I didn’t know!”
However, Sian quickly discovered that the process of converting a large building on a small plot in a conservation area was more complex than she initially anticipated: “We wanted to develop the building and had a number of different uses in mind. Then we were approached by an arts association called Hartlepool Arts Studio Ltd who had outgrown their current space, and I knew we had found an ideal partner for developing our building! One of the greatest problems I encountered was unconscious incompetence - not knowing what I didn’t know!”
"We hoped to be pointed in the right direction for funding..."
Sian attended the Places for Everyone workshop and benefitted from the on-to-one consultancy. She explains the appeal of the programme and some of the unexpected benefits: “It was the fact that it was tailored towards capital development and wasn’t just a general programme. We hoped to be pointed in the right direction for funding but then we discovered that we could apply for £2000 from the programme’s feasibility fund; we didn’t expect that.”
"We became more ambitious because we knew we had support behind us. We were given a lot of confidence to look into different designs for the new building."
Whilst at the workshop, Sian met Places for Everyone’s architect, Tim Mosedale (Mosedale Gillatt Architects). Paid by the feasibility fund, Tim provided Hartlepool NDC with architectural drawings. Sian discusses his input: “His advice and support on the end of the phone was very helpful. We became more ambitious because we knew we had support behind us. We were given a lot of confidence to look into different designs for the new building. The project is scope creeping all the time.”
One of the new designs involves building an extension to the hall on land owned by the neighbouring Stage Society. Sian hopes that by collaborating with this group and extending the original building, Hartlepool NDC can provide a more flexible space for use by diverse arts groups.
"...Tim has smoothed away all obstacles brought up by the planning department.”
Not only did Tim plant the seed of this new collaboration by designing the proposed extension, he also allayed many of Sian’s fears: “Many people in the local community told us we wouldn’t be able to get planning permission because the building is in a conservation area. However, Tim has smoothed away all obstacles brought up by the planning department.”
Sian’s vision for the new centre reflects the confidence she has developed through participating in the programme: “I really think that the new arts building can reinforce this part of Hartlepool as an artistic centre; becoming a catalyst for more artistic activity.”
"The programme gave shape and form to our ideas, without which I feel we would have just swum around in circles.”
Sian has also secured funding of £3000 from the Building Research Establishment to investigate making the old draughty hall more energy efficient. Once the design of the new building is confirmed Sian will be looking for additional funding in order to complete the building work.
Sian is already reflecting on the impact that the Places for Everyone programme has had on both her and the project: “It highlighted to me that support was available and made it all feel much more achievable. The programme gave shape and form to our ideas, without which I feel we would have just swum around in circles.”
