Forum Topic

Idea re regeneration and Watermans

Folks, has anyone previously discussed or thought of, in the context of the Brentford regeneration project, relocating Watermans Arts Centre to the Magistrates' Court , and vice versa?Suddenly occurred to me last night (and no I was reasonably sober), and the more I think about it, the more it makes sense.An arts centre right in the middle of Brentford would surely have a lot more visitors than in its' current location.Court location is probably not so critical - if you don't turn up as and when required, a warrant will be issued and you'll be taken there by the constables of the parish! Arts centres must dream of using these tactics to get people through the doors...So what do you think? Madness? or could I be onto something?

Jeremy Hillman ● 6503d51 Comments

Many years ago, I was af friend of Waterman's, when there was a diverse array of interesting programming: music; art; theatre & film.In fact, the sub-genre "Acid Jazz" was coined here in the late 80s by legendary DJ Gilles Peterson. Theatre was varied and the art house cinema was a regular draw and some fabulous musicians. Then, it was decided that that the sub-continent was the key to the centre's viability. I don't feel excluded - it just really isn't to my taste. Sorry...

Colin Murphy ● 6486d

Keith, what you actually wrote was as follows:"Waterman's changed it's [sic] emphasis and is now perceived to cater for a previously 'excluded' group(why didn't they join in?) but now is perceived to 'exclude'a larger group(those who are not Asian). Why can't they cater for everyone and be seen to be doing it?"You did not explicitly say that you felt excluded but I think it is not unreasonable to take it as implied from the quotation above that you share the perception that you as a non-Asian are excluded. If you say this is not the case then I am happy to accept that but it does not change the fact that in general the view that Watermans has become a handout funded minority arts centre which doesn't cater for the general population is widespread. My experience of 'Asian' events at the Watermans (the comedy ones) was that they were pretty mainstream but what should be of prime importance is not the ethnicity of the performers but the quality of the performances.

Dan Evans ● 6486d

When Watermans was first open it had (Greater London?) Arts Council Grants for the theatre. It was able to afford - in that uneconomically small theatre - to put on some excellent productions. I remember seeing Peggy Ashcroft in one of Samuel Becket's plays for example. I reckon Watermans management need to seek the funding to put on quality theatre again. In the meanwhile I stick with the cinema - my favourite as it doesn't smell of popcorn!Of course a well designed Arts Centre in the centre of Brentford would make it far more of a focal point of the local community. However, this should not sideline the importance of the actual programme.Hazel Dakers

Hazel Dakers ● 6490d

Dan,if in future you feel another attack of po-faced conceit coming on ,let it pass before you post,never mind when you're sober.I never said I felt excluded,I said that the perception in Brentford was that Watermans was not as inclusive as it was.Still,don't break your habit of letting the facts of what people actually say get in the way of your opinion,eh?

Keith Iddon ● 6490d

Thank you Jim. What an excellent way to brighten up a wall. Once my kitchen extension is done I shall be googling

Claire Peleschka ● 6493d

ClaireThe young lady who did several murals for me lives in Poole Dorset.She was happy to travel to London. I had seen samples of her work as I walked around Swanage. Her name is Nina Camplin..and she has transformed many dull areas..whether they be subway tunnels (where she gets youngsters involved in doing some of the work). She could transform the image of Watermans if given the chance..and she could help you too.Here is some of her recent work...looks good?----------------------------------------------------The artistic activity is called trompe d'oeil and google and flickr searches will produce many fine examples!Here is another she did for me..that's my old cat called Sardine..and there are butterflies and ladybirds to add to the delight.  -----------------------------------------------------Nina Camplin is easily found via a Google Search.

Jim Lawes ● 6493d

Off the subject a bit I know but I have a big brick wall at the end of my garden. Any chance you can come round and paint me one of those? It's lovely

Claire Peleschka ● 6493d

"the recent cut in Budget"Someone should be posting the real facts to help discussion. I don't know them and Dan may well be right. Isn't Councillor Lee the expert..or is it that man Conal?  I recall that in addition to the annual pile of dosh from Hounslow Council, the Council had additionally granted the Watermans's a  bonus (£250K?) over a 5 year (?) period. That period ended last year I believe..and that may be the cut in budget mentioned. But I don't really know.But it's not clearly explained.Why can't the Car Parks and the outside of the building be made more attractive. It's a dreaded drive -into the underground car park and that's a bit forbidding for starters.Poor lighting....,no flower baskets....not even tasty murals on the walls or anything.  Look here is my previously drub garden wall:---------------------------------------------------------Couldn't that car Park be made more inviting.? Murals of art matters of the river? FLOWER POTS?You go inside the building..parts do look attractive..but no Brentford paintings or artefacts on the walls (perhaps the swalleywags would nick them).  Any interesting Notice Boards..about the whole of Brentford..or Arts in the Borough and around London? Maybe I missed them.Now that piano by the bar area. Is it a baby grand?It's 6.30pm coming up..someone should be there now for an hour playing some listenable numbers. Surely there are pianists around who would be a delight to listen too. Yesterday, the place was almost empty..and the only movement was some Indian images flickering on television type screens.Now had someone been playing the Moonlight Sonata...or Mistyor some cultured music on that piano..some of us might make a point of going along and having an hour or two relaxing there.There are rooms (studios) for hire there. Did you know about that?  Jim ..you're so boring!

Jim Lawes ● 6493d

Jim - I regularly talk to the Watermans management about the challenges (and opportunities) they face in developing the venue.  The meeting Leigh Stops Watermans' Marketing Director has organised on Wednesday 12 September (between 6.30 and 7.30pm), as well as the Open Day on Saturday 29 September, provide opportunities for BrentfordTW8.com regulars and other members of the community with ideas to feedback ideas to the venue management -- and they are no doubt reading this thread.With respect to the presentation of the venue (and other buildings on High Street) - keeping on top of graffiti may require someone to spend half an hour each day paintng it out.  If graffiti is not kept on top of it only gets worse.  Prevention of graffiti is an area the Safer Neighbourhoods Teams can advise on and my message to everyone operating on Brentford High Street is simple:  If Brentford is to compete with other town centres we must tidy up and paint it out!Andrew

Andrew Dakers ● 6493d

Dan just re-read your post saying 'can you exlain this to us'...don't you mean to you?You can't help youreself,can you?Are you trying to get at something...?"Try to post when sober Keith.My question as to why you feel excluded isn't meant to be frivolous or vindicitive. You said you felt excluded from the majority of productions at the Watermans. I think it is important to understand why you, and many others, feel this way.The badly kept environment highlighted by Jim is probably not down to management but budget - that was recently cut and revenues - which are only going to increase if ticket sales are boosted from current levels.

Dan Evans ● 6493d

Well Jim your photos just cut through cleanly a lot of discussion and get to the heart of the matter. It is a disgrace. Football grounds are cleaner. In contrast, I went to the Richmond Filmhouse on Sunday afternoon and saw a double bill of two Australian films ('Ten Canoes' and 'Jindabyne' for £6.50. The place was packed with keen film goers and the surroundings were a delight, uplifting and convivial. Afterwards I wandered down Water Lane outside to the river front. This small cinema is clearly run by people who are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about film and know how to operate a finely turned out building and service. The Watermans does show similar films, but it takes more than the film to attract people.I wonder if the different types of offerings should be split into different operations, maybe sharing some common resources, but operating on a more customer driven private profit and loss mode, with some secondary grants and other service income. The different establishments being - A Film House; a Theatre; a Concert/performance hall; an exhibition hall maybe sharing a choice of restaurants/cafes/bars in a group of building next to the water. This would allow people most suitable to run each operation.

Duncan Walker ● 6493d

KeithThe snaps were taken at about 7.30pm -8pm this evening ..when the place should have perhaps been buzzing (as bees in Brentford are suppose to do ;0)To be fair again the back alleyway overlooking the River has been cleaned up a bit..and debris removed..but light fittings have been smashed..and there were some louts nearby tonight drinking cans of lager and looking erm erm not middle class! and slightly threatening. I wouldn't take my favourite lass along there>I've just returned from some glorious towns and villages in North Scotland..and you wouldn't believe the contrast..with some of the depressing images in what "we" call our local town. -----------------------------------------------------Anyway, I'm leading the thread away from discussion on the cultural aspects of the waterside venue!

Jim Lawes ● 6494d

Keep it up Jim..what time did you take these snaps?

Keith Iddon ● 6494d

The interior certainly looked promising....perhaps I might chat up some locals at the bar!There were just 6 people drinking at that table, non in the restaurant and those few on the ground level verandah.---------------------------------------------------------There was an opportunity to the River Thames from this area above the bar. There was a small outside verandah with chairs..but the door was locked. All the windows needed a bit of a clean and polish..but perhaps access to the outsides was difficult.----------------------------------------------------------The restaurant was empty!----------------------------------------------------------So I went to look for my car!.----------------------------------------------------------So there you are!!

Jim Lawes ● 6494d

Andrew,As a local Councillor you should put your uniform on and give the management down there a rollicking! It's been a disgrace like that for years...and the filthy aspect can only have damaged the image of the place...and in the longer term costs money in lost revenue.  As I said before I wrote to them once to no avail.But it's like so many things in Brentford, the occupants just have no idea how to clean a place properly! talk about Civic Pride.  Look at the doors to the Magistrate's Court in Market Place. Instead of being clean, varnished and shiny..its dull and uncared for.To be fair some of the inside of the Art Centre looks not too bad..its the exterior areas which need a scrubbing brush.Looks good..but off camera there are bins, open kitchen doors with mops(unused) on view..not the final finishing touch!----------------------------------------------------------Anyway I liked that verandah view so much and being in the car park area I ventured to find the "Car park door" for getting into that restaurant area.Oh here it is!!Good ole Brentford!!----------------------------------------------------------Doesn't give one much encouragement to have a meal there!----------------------------------------------------------But to be fair there is a smarter Main Entrance up the stairs...but here is also a back entrance overlooking the the river!!---------------------------------------------------------Keith, thanks for your responses..it's a sad sight isn't it.A couple of thousand quid to smarten the outside up with karchers and graffiti paint would do the trick. The place has external CCTV cameras where the problems occur. Do they work?

Jim Lawes ● 6494d

Jim - Thanks for the updated photo. Clearly some more work needs doing on the frontage!! Its a shame you didn't pan left a bit with the camera though and show those new plant pots, which I hope will stay safe.  Perhaps I should make a trip down there with my camera. ;) Andrew

Andrew Dakers ● 6494d

Jim,such a shame and disgrace.I remember when the place opened and how for years it was  a great place to go and meet up.The powers that be there are missing a trick with the new residents of Brentford who will want vibrant,eclectic events and food to match.

Keith Iddon ● 6494d

Dan just re-read your post saying 'can you exlain this to us'...don't you mean to you?You can't help youreself,can you?Are you trying to get at something...?

Keith Iddon ● 6494d

We are so proud of this Community facility..honest.-----------------------------------------------------------All the pathways and pavement need a good Kartchering...with one of those water-jet cleaner.."but we can't be bothered to do that"! " If there's a slump in Sales we just ask for more money!-----------------------------------------------------------Come and have a look round..all these pictures were taken this evening at 7.30pm..only 10 people in the place!(except for an apparent Board Meeting and some people rehearsing for something)Nice dustbin views to the north as well..and the MacDonalds neon. The new flower pots are a good idea..but his means that there is illegal parking (overnight too?) on double yellow lines, an abandoned untaxed van in the underground area..filth and graffiti in abundance.Vanessa: the middle classes will love this!!------------------------------------------------------------Of course you can always go for walk around the outside of the building where you'll come across a few other treats!(Is Andrew aware?)Please do come along anytime..bring a partner you'd like to impress perhaps. Please support your local Brentford hotspot.

Jim Lawes ● 6494d

Dan can how describing people who do not enjoy what you think they should enjoy as'closed minded and without humour'(especially as you evidently know nothing about them as individuals)be interpreted as anything but arrogant and patronising?Now you're stating how wounded you feel...yeah,right....You don't seem to go there much yourself,from your own admission.Perhaps you could make more  effort to support the place yourself.

Keith Iddon ● 6494d

Keith , ouch! I'm sorry you consider me patronising and arrogant. I was unaware you were such a connoisseur of international art house cinema. It makes it all the more mystifying that you would spend an evening watching a film about goings on in Ulan Bator (presumably in Mongolian with sub-titles) but would feel excluded from an Asian drama production made in English by people who live a few miles from you. Could you explain this to us?Mick, I take your point but I perhaps should have made clear I was being partly self-critical. We have an nationally significant Asian arts centre on our doorstep but the only performances I've actually been to are the comedy ones featuring comedians off the telly. I haven't been to any of the live theatre, music or dance productions. This isn't because I feel excluded like Keith has done but that I have been too timid to take a chance on something different. The lack of feedback on comment on these productions on this forum or generally suggests that I'm not the only one.

Dan Evans ● 6494d

James, last time I spoke to him he was under the distinct impression he came from Hounslow.

Dan Evans ● 6494d

"To think that this eyesore is the Gateway to the River Thames (as one trundles down Ealing Road)."" Some people have had to endure the "crap eyesores" in Brentford all their lives. I've just returned from the north-west of Scotland and their towns and villages where the contrast with Brentford couldn't have been more stark."Yes greenery is a fundemental need for most people but missing from many urban areas.  Did you watch BBC2 & Channel4 on Friday Aug 10 which both documented the demize of urban garden & greenery in light of current planning regulations?  Developers can grab gardens, allotments and non-greenbelt greenery as they please.  If they can urbanise a park in Godalming against local residents wishes they can do it anywhere.  So Jim help protect green space and the rivers in Brentford."Let's have an Art Centre, a Brentford Museum, and the Main Library all on the South of the High Street site in an inspiring network of buildings. That MacDonalds / Watermans / and Travel Inn area is all too awful in my book. What did that Labour Administration (Planning) allow!!"Watermans allows public accesss to view the Thames and the view is particularly beautiful from there to the ait.  It is being proposed to sell off this site to private development.  This could prevent public access -no doubt the developers want private-only access for their residents. As you say the Thames is very important.  This is particularly true for Brentford as we are such an urban area.

Michael Fletcher ● 6496d

"Is that a recent photo Jim? I dont know whether you have been by in the past two weeks but there are some large and attractive planted pots at the bottom of the main steps that have recently been installed."That's a 2 year old photo Andrew..which has been "current" most of the past 24 months as well!  I did see the plants tonight..and they seem to be located across a front pavement car park area previously used mainly by the Waterman's Park boat people.  Their cars, including the famous Landrover, no doubt now have to park in that small area in front of the ugly dustbins. These dustbins to view  are still in an eyesore area with peeling paintwork, and unlocked doors swinging in the breeze. To think that this eyesore is the Gateway to the River Thames (as one trundles down Ealing Road).I did once write to the MD of Watermans about the ugly mess..but there was no reply.  But that registers!!  Some people have had to endure the "crap eyesores" in Brentford all their lives. I've just returned from the north-west of Scotland and their towns and villages where the contrast with Brentford couldn't have been more stark.Let's have an Art Centre, a Brentford Museum, and the Main Library all on the South of the High Street site in an inspiring network of buildings. That MacDonalds / Watermans / and Travel Inn area is all too awful in my book. What did that Labour Administration (Planning) allow!!

Jim Lawes ● 6497d

He does come across as patronising and arrogant imo.Or is he right and all of us wrong,as usual?;-)..answers on a postcard please.

Keith Iddon ● 6497d

Dan wrote: "The problem appears to be that too many people have preconceived ideas about what they expect culture to be and are unwilling to try anything new"Sounds a bit like Brecht's belated cynical critique of the East German government's idea of democracy in the '50's - something along the lines of: "The government has clearly lost confidence in the people. We will call an election immediately and elect a new people!"In other words, it is not that Watermans' programming is wrong, it is that the people of Hounslow are too ignorant to appreciate it. Blairism lives!!

Mick Brent ● 6497d

Dear oh dear Dan...you really do get the wrong end of the stick sometimes,don't you.Why do you invariably try to twist what people say to fit your own tawdry little pcd agenda?You really are not a very nice person,judging by your comments.The last 2 films I saw at Waterman's were The Cave of the Yellow Dog(Mongolian) and that one with Peter O'Toole and Leslie Phillips about two aging thespians(can't remember the name of it right now).The very reason I patronise the cinema is because they don't have your average American blockbuster.They have a range of different films,something I think that should extend to the other events there and the food.Is that clear enough for you or are you going to 'spin'one of your yarns with that too?

Keith Iddon ● 6497d

I've noticed these pot plants and though they were there to stop people parking on their forecourt.  I've also been waiting to see when they disappear 'cos someone gone and nicked 'em. lol

S Passmore ● 6497d

Is that a recent photo Jim? I dont know whether you have been by in the past two weeks but there are some large and attractive planted pots at the bottom of the main steps that have recently been installed.Andrew

Andrew Dakers ● 6497d

No comment necessary.

Jim Lawes ● 6497d

Dan,According to IMDB, Sanjeev Bhaskar was born in Essex:http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0080276/bio

James de Vivenot ● 6497d

I agree that the Watermans was once a much more open and friendly place, with a richer and more varied programme. I also remember with much pleasure the music events in the bar area, some exciting theatre and other music events, wonderful pantomime - and the still wonderful programme of films that don't get a wider release locally.I also particularly remember Robert Rankin's poetry meetings and have met many others locally who still have vivid memories of Robert, Tony O'Blimy and the generous spirit and quality of poetry from others at the meetings.I hope this thread helps to revitalise and extend the programme. The only aspect I find sad is Vanessa's introduction of the class war into this. I may be middle class and live in Chiswick (ans so clearly part of the problem according to Vanessa). But I haven't always been 'middle class' and know many 'working class' people who share my tastes in the arts. It was the post-war Labour government that found money and space for the Festival of Britain and the Festival Hall - proudly alongside alongside the NHS, education reforms and the attempt to realise other 'working class' dreams. At the recent celebration of the reopening of the Festival Hall, 'working class hero' Billy Bragg praised that vision - and wrote new lyrics to Beethoven's Ninth that was played to a packed house and boomed out over loudspeakers across the South Bank.Contrast that breadth of vision with Vanessa's apparent narrow view that a programme of films at the Waterman not directed at a mass market is suitable only for the middle classes. And if that is not what she means, exactly what kind of arts does she regard as 'middle class' and what 'working class'?

Malcolm Peltu ● 6497d

If you use the cinema the chances are that nearly every picture you will have seen is American. Why are you not 'excluded' from them in the same way you feel you are excluded from the live performances of Asian arts most of which are in English?Their is a rich vein of musical, theatrical and comedic talent locally and we are lucky to have a place like Watermans that fosters it. The problem appears to be that too many people have preconceived ideas about what they expect culture to be and are unwilling to try anything new.Performers like Sanjeev Bhaskar (born and bred locally), Hardeep Singh Kohli (okay he's from Glasgow - not so local) and Meera Syal have appeared at the Watermans. The only way I can see that the Watermans is not 'catering for everyone' by bringing stars like that to Brentford is the lack of provision for people with closed minds and no sense of humour.

Dan Evans ● 6498d

I still go to the cinema there from time to time but used to go a lot more frequently to see bands and the theatre.I was nice to be able to choose various different types of food,not poss. now.Monty's food average,and if you don't like Indian you don't have a choice.Waterman's changed it's emphasis and is now perceived to cater for a previously'excluded' group(why didn't they join in?)but now is perceived to 'exclude'a larger group(those who are not Asian).Why can't they cater for everyone and be seen to be doing it?

Keith Iddon ● 6498d

Hi little house productions would be intrested in attending, as a local community group we are providing rehersal and music productions to local groups ie PA systems recording systems, we would be intrested in hosting some local band talent spots at the watermans.

Dave Hughes ● 6498d

Hi Leigh,I'll put the date in my diary.Mick

Mick Brent ● 6498d

I'm the Marketing Director here at Watermans and I am really interested in your views and ideas about how to get Watermans used even more by local communities. I'd like to invite everyone who has contributed to this forum, and anyone else who is interested, to give me your views over a drink, downstairs here at Watermans between 6.30 and 7.30pm on Wednesday 12 September. If you'd like to come and meet me please just ring our Box Office 020 8232 1010 (any day between Midday and 9pm) and leave your name. If you can't make it that evening, you might like to come to our Open Day on Saturday 29 September to see some of what is going on here. Best Wishes,Leigh Stops

Leigh Stops ● 6498d

The period I was referring to - about 20 years ago when Gabby Campbell was Arts Development Officer - had a really broad and accessible programme. I was working with teenagers on Haverfield Estate at the time and we made a series of really interesting video documentaries with them, funded by Watermans and screened on Saturday afternoons. Regular band nights, excellent drama performances, the Folk Club on Wednesdays, Friday "Club" nights, and, more importantly perhaps, the fact that significant numbers of local people used the Watermans as a "local" and meeting place, ensured that the clientele were socially and ethnically mixed. Compare that with an evening earlier this year when I arranged to meet some friends at the bar one evening and was shocked to find that we were apparently the only people (apart from staff) in the building.For local people, (whether from Brentford or Feltham, Vanessa) to use the place, they must first feel welcomed, and then they might develop a sense of ownership over the venue. Over the past 20 years this hasn't happened, and to most Brentford residents, Watermans is, to sort of paraphrase Prince Charles, an alien carbuncle which means little or nothing to the people of Brentford. A great opportunity for community development, lost.

Mick Brent ● 6500d

I'd encourage everyone that hasn't been to Watermans recently to go and visit, and talk to the management about the full range and depth of their programme.  Watermans actually do a lot of ongoing work with young people living on the Haverfield Estate (just opposite) and beyond.  This month they are also collaborating in a community art project to produce a new mural for Albany House.I understand their recent move to a digital projector in the cinema should mean their film programme may change a bit as this makes newer films more affordable for smaller venues.Andrew

Andrew Dakers ● 6500d

That is my point - why shouldn't they? - the fact is they don't - Watermans has always had a very limited appeal - it's seen as too middle-class.

Vanessa Smith ● 6500d

I don't think free Sunday lunchtime concerts was a lofty ideas. Peoeple could come down and see up and coming bands every week.The original programme was very varied and catered for all tastes. Anyway what is a lofty programme and why shouldn't a person from Feltham enjoy poetry, music, films, children's shows and theatre.

Neil Chippendale ● 6501d

I think another reason for Waterman's not being used as it should be is that it is very much seen as a middle class gathering spot, I wonder how many people form the Feltham end of the borough have ever been there? I live relatively near and I've been in there twice in all the years it's existed. Yet when you think of the riverside location, it must have so much potential, perhaps some of those in charge should try removing their heads from their rears and start toning down their lofty ideas.

Vanessa Smith ● 6501d

Well I look forward to seeing that you do look after the community assets because it would be a great loss if this new council can only think in terms of what money they can get out of selling the very things that make Hounslow a united community.

Dave Hughes ● 6501d

I have no idea what arguments were used to justify the loss of the ice rink in Richmond (before my time ;-)  There is a reality however that parties of all political persuasions running local councils have struggled with the multiple pressures on council budgets and often resorted to selling off council-owned assets.  The Old Brentford Baths is an example local to me.Until local government finance is re-engineered this seems unlikely to change.You say "I bet they will have a hundred reasons not to re-build after they have sold it off".  That is a valid risk that you highlight Dave. I for one will continue to work with councillors of all political persuasions in this part of the borough to ensure that community assets/ investment are more than adequately protected through any legal agreements with developers.Andrew

Andrew Dakers ● 6501d

I am sure the Lib-Dems used the same argument for the Ice rink in Richmond, lets face it the watermans is a riverside development which would net the councill a lot of money if sold off we recently had the council send a private company to survey the community building in Bedfont so that they could work out how much they can get for it if they sell it off, this is being done to all the the community buildings at the moment and proberly more so if they dont put on white entertainment because the Burghers of Chiswick feel themselves to be a minority for some strange reason, anyway back to the point Big talk of changing the watermans for the Town centre and selling the land, I bet they will have a hundred reasons not to re-build after they have sold it off.

Dave Hughes ● 6501d

The programme has changed quite a lot of the yers. As has been said it used to be packed for the Sunday lunchtime concerts and the regular folk (Steeley Span etc) and poetry events (Roger McGough). All this cost money though.I meet some friends inside on a staurday night when i was last over and the place was dead.

Neil Chippendale ● 6502d

I agree with your point Mick, the Watermans now does not have a theatre programme on there that can compete with say the Orange Tree at Richmond, The Bush Theatre, or Questors in Ealing. Perhaps it needs a different source of funding which can provide a more stimulating programme for Brentford residents.

Duncan Walker ● 6502d

The proposal advocated in the Community Vision for Brentford High Street (see www.brentfordhighstreet.co.uk) is just as you describe, that the arts centre should move to the heart of the town centre.  This is also mooted as a possibility in the Brentford Area Action Plan.  The reason that Watermans need to relocate is that their current building was poorly designed and has always presented problems with respect to economic viability and design of performance spaces.  However I would be very surprised if the magistrates court would meet Watermans future needs.  We are arguing that the current Watermans site should be sold with the capital receipt being invested into a new facility in the town centre, opposite the magistrates court on the south side of the High Street.  We hope the prospective developers (Ballymore) are taking note of this as they develop their plans.Due to mixed funding sources Watermans now serve the West London community, which of course includes a large Asian community. Watermans has a very mixed programme – cinema, children’s theatre, comedy, new media, participative/ community arts and Asian arts. Asian arts is 1 of 6 regular programmes – however, it has been an area of work developed over nearly 20 years with local communities and is recognised nationally & internationally – this is why it is funded by the Arts Council.Best, Andrew

Andrew Dakers ● 6502d

Agreed Mick, plus it was always heavily subsidised by Hounslow Council, never mind at least they can all be happy now they're as P.C. as can be. I always thought that if people were that interested in what was on there then they'd be happy to pay to see whatever it was, apparently not.

Vanessa Smith ● 6502d

"An arts centre right in the middle of Brentford would surely have a lot more visitors than in its' current location."I think the number of visitors is more related to the content of the programme than it is to the location.20 years ago, when the Arts Centre ran a much more "accessible" programme (including Wednesday Night Folk Club, Sunday lunchtime bands etc etc) it was often packed to the gills. Since it developed more of a "minority" focus (largely, I understand due to funding considerations - ie money available from the Arts Council for Asian arts, but not for more generic arts) audiences and local interest in the Centre has fallen to near zero.

Mick Brent ● 6502d

Great idea on the face of it Jeremy but someone will come up with a reason why it can't be,imho.

Keith Iddon ● 6503d