This is why we can't have nice things
Imagine having a huge entertainment venue
in downtown London. Big-name bands want to
play there, the London Orchestra and The
Grand Theatre have regular shows, and the
Forest City starts to get a reputation as being a
hub for entertainment. Now back to reality;
you're in London and it's probably never going
to happen.
The Grand Theatre claims that when they drafted their proposal for a performing arts centre, they approached Music London to collaborate on a centre that would house both organizations. Music London cited concerns about both the size of the proposed site, which they believed would be inadequate, as well as the process of acquiring the property. Music London approached city council last year, requesting a recommendation for the orchestra's ideal home in hopes of support for relocating. The plan backfired when staff came back with the opinion that they should extend their contract at Centennial Hall until at least 2015. Following that, Music London went ahead and formed an independent proposal for a performing arts centre, even listing the location of The Grand's proposed expansion as a potential site for relocation.
The performing arts centre is a concept that has been kicking around city hall for years without yet coming to any kind of conclusion. Music London's current venue, Centennial Hall, has been lowering expectations since it was built almost 50 years ago. The space has the acoustics of a hockey arena, an oddly shaped stage, and balcony seats that don't even face the stage. In a review of proposals that was submitted to City Hall in August, consulting agency Novita Interpares found that, “Virtually from its inception, Centennial Hall was deemed to be inadequate and subsequent reports have confirmed its shortcomings.”
On the other side of the debate is The Grand Theatre. It's long been known as the finest establishment in London for quality theatre, but after more renovations than even their staff can quite remember, they too are looking for a slice of the performing arts centre pie. From an objective standpoint, The Grand Theatre appears more capable of actually pulling off the management of a new performing arts centre despite receiving the same criticisms as Music London in the review of proposals. They've run their current property since it was built in 1901, and according to a recent poll on the London Free Press' website, Londoners favour The Grand Theatre's proposal over the one submitted by Music London.
From low-balling financials, to glossing over the complex details of private land transfers, the review of proposals blasted both groups for failing to present enough information to make any kind of decision. The reality is that London's not big enough for both organizations to get what they want, and they need to work together to get the drama and discord out of City Hall and back onstage where it belongs.
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.
The Grand Theatre claims that when they drafted their proposal for a performing arts centre, they approached Music London to collaborate on a centre that would house both organizations. Music London cited concerns about both the size of the proposed site, which they believed would be inadequate, as well as the process of acquiring the property. Music London approached city council last year, requesting a recommendation for the orchestra's ideal home in hopes of support for relocating. The plan backfired when staff came back with the opinion that they should extend their contract at Centennial Hall until at least 2015. Following that, Music London went ahead and formed an independent proposal for a performing arts centre, even listing the location of The Grand's proposed expansion as a potential site for relocation.
The performing arts centre is a concept that has been kicking around city hall for years without yet coming to any kind of conclusion. Music London's current venue, Centennial Hall, has been lowering expectations since it was built almost 50 years ago. The space has the acoustics of a hockey arena, an oddly shaped stage, and balcony seats that don't even face the stage. In a review of proposals that was submitted to City Hall in August, consulting agency Novita Interpares found that, “Virtually from its inception, Centennial Hall was deemed to be inadequate and subsequent reports have confirmed its shortcomings.”
On the other side of the debate is The Grand Theatre. It's long been known as the finest establishment in London for quality theatre, but after more renovations than even their staff can quite remember, they too are looking for a slice of the performing arts centre pie. From an objective standpoint, The Grand Theatre appears more capable of actually pulling off the management of a new performing arts centre despite receiving the same criticisms as Music London in the review of proposals. They've run their current property since it was built in 1901, and according to a recent poll on the London Free Press' website, Londoners favour The Grand Theatre's proposal over the one submitted by Music London.
From low-balling financials, to glossing over the complex details of private land transfers, the review of proposals blasted both groups for failing to present enough information to make any kind of decision. The reality is that London's not big enough for both organizations to get what they want, and they need to work together to get the drama and discord out of City Hall and back onstage where it belongs.
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.
