We are pleased to announce that we have an agreement in principle to sub lease the former NatWest Bank in Dulverton until 2025.  The bank building has been empty and deteriorating for four years. We want to bring it back in to use for the whole community and encourage further footfall into the town and shops. Our plan is to establish a community radio station, a professional standard recording studio and a black box studio theatre with seating for an audience of possibly 50.

Subject to approval by Companies House, Exmoor Studios CIC will form to lease and manage the property.  A CIC is a concept of a company established on a not for profit basis. All profits will be used for the benefit of the community.

Our concept is to improve local communications by reaching across parish, county and National Park boundaries.  The community radio station should allow local people to know about local events and news. Initially established as a streaming service on the internet, we would hope to obtain a broadcasting licence in due course.  The hope is to cover Dulverton, Bampton and the surrounding villages, primarily but not exclusively the valleys of the Rivers Exe, Barle, Batherm and Haddeo.

We know that there is a requirement for a professional standard recording studio and the Bank building provides an opportunity to establish such a facility.

The black box studio theatre is intended to complement existing town, village and community halls which host drama, dance and music events so well.  A studio theatre is an innovative type of space which is extremely flexible in use. Professional stage lighting and sound systems with black drapes and walls are the only requirements.  Even audience seating can be optional! However, to give an idea of scale, we envisage maybe 50 seats as a maximum. We emphasise that there is no intention to impact existing community arrangements but rather to add to them.  

These are early, formative days – we welcome any comments you might have, please.

For further information email [encode][email protected][/encode]

Steve Hall
Leslie Silverlock