Keep true to the 'cultural quarter'

WITH reference to the recent correspondence on your letters page about the future of the Musician's Co-op and the proposed development by CR Chelverton.

In the Lancaster District Local Plan, which was published for Public Consultation in April 2001, the vision for the area north of Moor Lane is a new pedestrianised centred 'Brewery Quarter' combining residential, commercial, cultural and open space uses.

In this area already are the Musician's Co-op, the Grand Theatre and the Dukes which with the museums, Ludus dance studios and Sun Street combine to form the 'Cultural Quarter' of the city.

The City Council has long supported the development of cultural activities in the district and has a national reputation for being instrumental in the creation of a cluster of arts organisations which form the centre of the growing cultural industries in Lancaster

Creative industries are of considerable economic and social value and can be a powerful catalyst when placed at the centre of a regeneration strategy.

Everyone who wants Lancaster to thrive should support the vision within the Local Plan for the 'Brewery Quarter' to be a dynamic, cultural asset for the City Centre regeneration and be opposed to any development which does not help this.

Amanda Belcham

Chief executive The Dukes