£1.4m transformation of community hall approved

COUNCILLORS have backed plans for a revamp of a community arts facility in Beverley.

The decision by East Riding Council’s planning committee means the 1.4m overhaul of Beverley Memorial Hall can finally get under way.

The latest scheme includes a new entrance and foyer with a cafe bar, refurbished hall space and three meeting rooms, with the building turned round internally to face Champney Road and the Treasure House.

The plans will remove the 1950s extension and see the construction of a pitched roof and an amphitheatre consisting of a series of informal steps/seating in Champney Gardens.

Building works should take around 10 months with the hall – originally a memorial to the men and women of Beverley who died in the Second World War – due to close in March.

Trustee Valerie Thornhill said: “This is a very exciting moment for what will be Beverley’s cultural hub, along with the library, arts gallery and Treasure House, within walking distance from the bus and railway station and a garden area to use in the summer. This will be a facility which will appeal to all members of the community, whatever their interest or age.”

Meanwhile, planners also granted permission to redrawn schemes for the 35m controversial southern bypass and park and ride for the town.

The altered plans included minor changes to the layout of the road and providing a signalised crossing at Shepherds Lane for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

The planned park and ride was also reduced from accommodating 750 cars to 500.

The plans aim to cut traffic on Keldgate, which leads past the historic Minster, by two-thirds.

However, Lincoln Way residents have objected to the plans, as many fear the bypass is being routed too near to their homes.

The idea for a southern bypass was first mooted in the 1960s.