THE proposed redevelopment of the old Dairy Crest site in Totnes is taking another step forward. The pioneering Atmos project, put forward by Totnes Community Development Society, has opened for a period of consultation specifically around business use on the site.
Atmos Totnes has driven negotiations to create a national legal ‘first’ which will secure the land for community development.
The TCDS has asked businesses and organisations interested in using the planned enterprise space on the site to come forward. An open meeting for businesses will be held on Monday, July 6, at 7pm at the Royal Seven Stars ballroom.
TCDS is leading the project to deliver Atmos Totnes on the land next to Totnes Station.
Work is expected to begin on the site in 2016 for a 2017 and 2018 completion. Site facilities will include flexible work and living/work units of various sizes plus outdoor spaces.
The site will be managed as a Community Land Trust.
TCDS chairman Ed Vidler said: “Tenants will be expected to work collaboratively with others working and living on site to maximise the economic and social benefits for everyone.
“So this period of consultation is an essential part of helping to establish who is interested in this and how we work together for the benefit of Totnes as a whole.”
TCDS has also been asked to carry out business planning for The Mansion in Totnes. Information collected around business use is also designed to inform business planning for both Atmos Totnes and The Mansion.
The Mansion will be a collaborative community run facility, the management of which is to be decided at a later point.
A range of office accommodation and space for community based education, particularly with but not restricted to an arts and crafts focus, are likely to be available at The Mansion.
Public open consultation will continue in the next few weeks. Work since October has brought the two sides of the eight acre site together in one masterplan.
This will help TCDS in submitting for planning permission on the whole site through a single Community Right to Build order at the end of this year and early next year.
A referendum on the future of the whole site is expected in May, 2016.
Mr Vidler added: “The interest and commitment from the community has been invaluable. As the design work continues we encourage people to stay in touch and keep involved.”
For more information, log on to www.TotnesCommunity.org.uk. [Original story here].
To submit an expression of interest complete the form here.
The deadline for submissions of Expressions of Interest is July 24.
Paper copies are available by emailing info@totnescommunity.org.uk
