Nicolas Gladstone

I would like to add my voice in support of David Poole that the former isite would make an ideal art gallery and craft centre, showcasing the talent of local artists and craftspeople.

We have enough cafés in the central area, and one more will only impact the trade of those that already operate in these uncertain times and prefer to pay their rates without more competition being added to the hospitality sector.

It would add another dimension to the facilities of The Strand and the waterfront, operating in the same way as the “pop-up” gallery run by the Arts Collective next to Robert Harris’ café from Christmas through till Easter this year, with artists themselves plus volunteers staffing the cash register and eftpos machine.

If the Arts Collective is seen as a fair indicator of how this would work, it also shows that the turnover of items would result in there being a constant change in what was on display, encouraging people to look in frequently.

Recent and current engineering works to “future-proof” the waterfront have not improved the visibility of the river frontage to people down below in the town centre streets, but a welcoming, highly visible and one-of-a-kind facility would surely draw people up the steps, and be an economic and cultural benefit to the town centre, beyond the proceeds accruing to the local arts community.

The outdoor areas associated with the building could be open space with some picnic-style outdoor furniture for the use of the public, perhaps eating their take-out lunches or drinking their flat whites.

It could also provide an exhibition space for any weather-proof sculpture, subject to adequate security.