We are delighted that Depot Lewes has been recognised with two awards by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) South East. The new cinema was presented with the Excellence in Planning for Heritage Award and the overall Regional Winner for 2017 at a ceremony in the Brighton Pavilion.
The transformation of a former brewery in Lewes into a major arts venue - with a cinema, restaurant and education facilities known as ‘Depot, Lewes Community Screen’ is on the former Harvey’s Brewery depot, a prominent location close to Lewes railway station – it was crowned the overall winner at last night’s RTPI South East Awards for Planning Excellence.
The previously vacant site is in a prominent, sensitive location within Lewes Conservation Area and surrounded by numerous listed buildings, which has been sensitively redeveloped to provide a new community cinema with a café/bar, restaurant and film education and training facilities. The redevelopment – undertaken by Burrell Foley Fischer and the South Downs National Park Authority – also includes new green infrastructure including an orchard, wild flower garden and landscaping.
Sue Percy MRTPI, Chair of the RTPI South East Judges Panel said: “Through good planning practice and early community engagement the development was not only shaped by, but helped build, public support for the project resulting in an amazing community facility that locals and visitors will use, experience and be proud of for many years to come.”
A travel plan, community minibus, public transport discounts and pedestrian maps were also developed to minimise the impact of additional traffic in the area.