F.A.Q

We believe that the location of the Mecca building is ideally suited for many reasons and any new build will have to be away from the town centre and hence will not benefit the town centre, which we believe is an essential element in keeping our town centre alive for those that live and trade there.

Moreover, it is cheaper to create as a new build would be around £25m, its next to Castle Green and Museum making the location a cultural quarter and next to all transport links. Additionally, large theatre builds only happen where there is an infrastructure to support it so any theatre that seats 2000+ would require a whole rethink of roads, services, hotels, transport and many others. Taunton can’t do that now but it can take on the Mecca building and Taunton needs a 1000+ seat venue and we have one. We just need to reclaim it.

Raising funds will be a challenge but not impossible, but once achieved the place will need to make money and find regular support. This can be achieved through many means and we have a team of people who know this landscape well. Moreover, the impact on Taunton economically is massive. If 1000 people attend an event and each spend locally £40 per person on food, drink, transport, etc. that would equate to £40,000. Not forgetting other events throughout the year. We must reclaim this building.

For large 1000-seater venues our research has shown that they sell, as a minimum, 250,000 tickets per year. So, get those 250,000 to spend £40 in the local economy and that could generate £10m per annum.

Firstly, our working committee that has been designed as the people to run the venue have over 100 years of combined experience within the industry.

Secondly, as for the activities that go on in theatres spaces or MVP’s like Mecca, one needs to understand the marketplace. For example, Mecca is similar to spaces like Bristol Hippodrome, where big names from the comedy, live music and musical theatre circuit can perform. However, big theatre shows, such as Cats, Lion King etc. only perform in venues that have 2500+ seats.

Plus, it’s about economics of scale. For example, research we have done on other new venue proposals throughout the UK show that a 1000 or 1200-seater venue is best for bigger productions. In fact, at 1000 seats, venues present primarily one-night events; at 1200 seats, the programme is made up primarily of weekly runs. Such variants can be analysed through a feasibility study to inform the business plan.

We believe it’s also important to look at competition. At present in Somerset there are only a few venues that have 350 seats, such as The Macmillan Theatre in Bridgwater (built 2015 estimated at £7m to build). The Octagon in Yeovil has a 622 capacity. Cedars Hall is Wells has 350 and The Playhouse in Weston Super-mare has 644 seating capacity. The Brewhouse in Taunton has 350 seating and Tacchi-Morris has 250 seats. The Mecca Bingo hall in Taunton has 1100 capacity. Here we can clearly see that any MVP for Taunton should not compete with other venues but with 1100 seats it will attract different entertainment providers than these smaller venues.

With options to have smaller rooms, cafe, restaurant and smaller local events the community will have access to an array of services and events. We intend to make it community focused and will ensure the community can use it to create their own arts and culture. With cinema options, dance hall, workshops, meeting rooms, conference facilities and rehearsal space it will be a thriving hub for people of all ages and economic standing. Reclaimed by the people for the people.

We can’t deny that it will be a challenge to retro fit a new stage and all the mod cons that today’s performance requires, but with many innovations and design in this field it is not something that can’t be overcome. Yes, large music events are much easier to achieve and happens to be the most common type of performance people attend, but with some great design we can deliver a range of lighting and sound that fits with most performance types.

Why we can’t do technical theatre? Take a look at the bottom of the following page: https://project-gaumont.co.uk/why-an-mpv

Yes, we believe there should be an equally strong focus on non-cultural activities. Mecca as a mid-sized venue in Taunton would need to be a multifunctional hub, with other ways to generate footfall and boost income (e.g. conferencing, exhibitions, trade shows, fairs and markets, indoor ice rink, food and drink festivals, indoor sporting events (e.g. boxing, wrestling etc.), Expo’s, other festivals, venue/meeting room hire, etc.)

These ‘non-cultural’ uses would need to be included in the business plan but our research has also shown that it would be unwise to think that Taunton will attract very large conferences or trade shows as often these are associated with large conurbations and not the size of the venue. In addition we believe that there is enough non-cultural activity to deliver a robust financial plan that makes profit and supports the venue with little or no public funding in the future.

Questions from the Public (updated 2024)

Due to our campaigns on social media the public raised more questions, so we have answered these as best as we can below, and does help one understand netter the whole project.

Our research has shown that Mecca has closed many of its bingo halls, including ones in larger towns and cities than Taunton. For example, between 2022-2023 they closed Hillingdon, Bridgwater, Doncaster, Chester, Plymouth, Halifax, Gloucester, Wolverhampton, Sittingbourne, Telford, and more. But did state “good growth” (10-11%) in its online business.

Additionally, in December 2022, the Rank Group, who own Mecca, warned that profits were down by 50%, and shares already down by half in the year 2022.

The closure of other bingo halls is a response to these dwindling profits, and should Mecca decide to close the Taunton one its imperative that we have a proposal on the table to bring back this venue for arts and entertainment. That’s why we should continue.

Moreover, we believe the big decision makers at the top end of Mecca are still unaware of our desires and that there is a strong community led desire to return this building back for arts and cultural use, so we must continue our work until such a time they do become aware.

Lastly, the Project Gaumont committee and many who have signed our petition, believe that just because someone says ‘it’s not possible’ doesn’t mean we should give up. The history of wanting to return Mecca as an arts and entertainment venue, and for the benefit of Taunton’s people, goes back nearly 20 years, and if it takes another 20 years then so be it. Some may say this attitude is silly, but we see it as local people passionate about where they live and wanting to create a better Taunton for those who work, play and visit here.  

Resource: https://news.sky.com/story/mecca-bingo-owner-issues-profit-warning-after-rank-few-months-for-revenues-12769150

Resource: https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/national/23195004.mecca-bingo-owner-rank-warns-sliding-profits/

We are aware that Mecca’s lease is due to end in 2028 and based on all commercial leases we are 99% sure that Mecca have the legal right to renew that lease after 2028, which usually entails Mecca stating if they wish to do that 6-9 months beforehand (2027). 

However, under ‘reasons to terminate a business tenancy’ under Section 25 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, if the landlord (Somerset Council) intends to occupy the premises themselves, or intends to demolish or reconstruct the premises, it can terminate the tenancy in 2028. Should the existing tenant object to this then the courts will decide, and to achieve this ‘the landlord must be genuine in their intention with firm plans’. Indicating there is a possibility of overcoming legal issues regarding the lease and one can use these grounds to oppose a tenant’s application to extend the lease.

Resource: https://www.gov.uk/terminating-a-commercial-property-lease-early

Case study: To prove this law here is a case study, and though the outcome for the landlord wasn’t great it does prove the law in question and confirms the above statements. See: https://www.harrison-drury.com/business-law/sectors/landlord-and-tenant/can-a-commercial-landlord-terminate-a-tenancy-for-occupation-for-its-own-use/

The Mecca building was first owned by Somerset West & Taunton Council (SWT), and as an asset was passed on to the new unitary authority Somerset Council in 2023. During the SWT era we discovered that the rent for the building is around £170k per year/£14.16k per month. But note here that Mecca do not use the whole building and parts of it are locked up.

Part of our financial plan is to utilize grant funding from Arts Council England capital fund (and others), and one is allowed to use some of this fund for revenue activity, which in laymen’s terms means that part of the rent can be paid for, for example the first year. Utilising this aspect of funding will allow the business to accumulate reserved funds and be able to pay the rent that is due.

Additionally, with a capacity of 1100 seats at the Gaumont, research carried out by Somerset Arts Business Cultural Alliance (SABCA) shows that for large 1000-seater venues, they sell, as a minimum, 250,000 tickets per year. So, let’s say we sell those tickets at £25 each, that would bring in a total of £6.25m.

Which is best for the council. Paying the rent or offering them a cut in the profits?

The strategy behind Project Gaumont is to ensure that the council continues to collect rent from the lease holder/tenant. Funding research also shows that core costs for operating an arts and cultural venue at the Gaumont can be included in grant applications, which can also secure income for the council.  

However, at a time when councils are looking to reduce costs/budgets or develop new income streams our feasibility reports may show that if the venue was operated by the council, it could generate substantial income far greater than the rent. Even at just 20% profit a £5m per annum income would bring £1m back into the council instead of £170k rent. Hence, why such studies are required.  

With a capacity of 1100 seats at the Gaumont, research carried out by Somerset Arts Business Cultural Alliance (SABCA) shows that for large 1000-seater venues they sell, as a minimum, 250,000 tickets per year. Taunton Town Entertainment Survey by Creative Innovation Centre (2017 funded by the council with over 500 respondents) shows that many people eat, drink, stay, pay for local transport etc. when attending events. Each spending on average £20pp in the local economy. If those 250,000 ticket holders spend £20 in the local economy that could generate £5m per annum, and that’s without the £6-8m generated by the venue itself.  

This £12m per annum into Taunton’s town centre presents a very strong economic case for it to return as an arts and cultural venue. Other factors to consider are:

  • Based on footfall projections it would rejuvenate the town centre and be a main reason for empty shops to be filled with other new businesses
  • It would create 30-40 jobs and 100 volunteer opportunities
  • Generate parking revenue for the council
  • It would assist in local tourism and visitor numbers
  • Create a pride of place and contribute to the cultural quarter of Taunton
  • Public petition of 2,614 signatures shows great interest in returning it as a venue
  • It would offer greater community cohesion and revitalise civic pride (a theme of the government’s Levelling Up and Shared Prosperity Fund)
  • Preserve a heritage asset and secure its future as venue

We also recommend that you read the ‘Why don’t you concentrate on all the empty premises in Taunton before picking issues with buildings that have businesses in?’ FAQ.

We understand that people do go to bingo in Taunton and even if it was converted to and multi-purpose venue there will be opportunities for these elderly people to attend other activities that go on there, so may even present more options for them get together. Our project is also a community-led project which means we look at aspects such as certain groups of people and devise activities to ensure they are included. If it was operated by some big national company this aspect would not exist. It key that we support the Taunton community wherever we can.  

We will also be looking at how new technology can be used to develop activities like bingo. However, as you would have read in the question ‘ I hear rumor that Mecca does not want to vacate the premises, which defeats the objectives of Project Gaumont. So, why continue?’ you will see that other communities have had their bingo halls closed and therefore it is the responsibility of Mecca to decide if they want to provide an alternative solution or look for other premises. But with Mecca experiencing 50% losses there are few options for Mecca.

The petition is used in many ways. It helps us gauge support and public opinion (both positive and negative), it helps us provide data to potential supporters and funders and allows us to connect with those who sign it. It is not designed to offer a fully fledged solution but only to ask if we did proceed will you support it.

Project Gaumont has spoken to the Brewhouse, and we have developed an understanding between each other. Moreover, to start with, the Mecca building, if converted to a multi-purpose venue, may not be able to do technical theatre, so the Brewhouse still needs to exist. Furthermore, when new theatres are built it is not uncommon to build a smaller theatre on the side to help support local theatre groups and touring shows that do not attract large audiences. So, places like the Brewhouse and CICCIC need to exist. It is about supporting the wider arts and theatre eco-system within the district.     

This answer requires an insight into how the arts and culture industry works. In basic terms, certain shows and artists need to meet a certain income from ticket sales to support the costs of their shows. This in turn means that some shows or artists won’t come to Taunton because we do not have a venue with a large capacity. This makes it harder for the Brewhouse to attract certain shows and artists and in some ways limits the Brewhouse’s profit.

Another aspect is that the Brewhouse has fixed seating, which also limits what it can put on. It cannot become a multi-purpose venue but the Mecca building can. Take a look at the types of events we propose on this part of our website https://project-gaumont.co.uk/event-types-at-gaumont-palace

We assume, just like the other bingo halls Mecca have closed, that Mecca will have to provide some king of severance package. However, we are aware that the staff at Mecca are really great hosts, and this is something we should utilize by offering employment to them when the time comes. But there is a problem here, as the refitting and doing-up of the venue could take as long as 18-24 months, and no staff would be required during that period. Nor would it be cost effective for us to employ staff during this doing-up period. So, we could offer re-employment but only when the venue is close to opening.    

Around 15 years ago there was rumour that Mecca were happy to give up the existing building if they found another location, but since then the bingo industry has changed and this idea may no longer be a viable option.

There have been comments on social media that the old Debenhams building would be an option for Project Gaumont or Bingo. Unfortunately, due to the way the building is structured, with its low ceilings and pillars it would not be suitable as a multi-purpose arts and entertainment venue. We believe it may be conducive for bingo, but as we are not bingo hall designers we can’t say for sure and leave this to the likes of Mecca to consider.  

Evidence shows that empty shops will only be filled with businesses if there is enough footfall. Unfortunately, with the demise of our High Streets and the increase of internet shopping it is even harder to fill these empty shops. However, as in the example, in a 2013 report by the Mayor of London, he highlights ‘See No Evil’, a street art project in Bristol which turned a derelict thoroughfare into a tourist attraction, with footfall increased by 75 % and enquiries about vacant premises increased by 70. Based on our projections and range of daytime and nighttime activities 1000’s more people will visit the town centre, which in turn will provide footfall, which will increase the renting of shops.

This is a chicken and egg situation and there are many other studies out there that show evidence that arts and cultural activity regenerates areas including our town centres and High Streets. For example, if you attended Luke Jerram’s the Moon or Gaia at Taunton Minster, you may also know that over 20,000 came to see it and all restaurants, pubs and even MacDonalds were very busy and some places you couldn’t even get into. It is just unfortunate that bingo does not have this effect on the local economy or the regeneration of our town centres. We recommend that you also read the ‘How would the town centre benefit?’ Q&A.

We have studied the multi-purpose venue (MPV) and gathered intel on certain aspects to weigh up the pros and cons. This is too lengthy to put all findings herein, but we did identify the following from information published. These include:

a) the MVP would cost around £25m to build and that cost was estimated 4 years ago so we would imagine this would be higher today and the council would have to borrow that money. To return the Mecca building as an MPV it is estimated that this would cost around £4m, of which there are grants out there to assist this.

b) The 2500-seater Firepool proposal does not include a car park and research by Walker Parking Consultants suggests that ‘no parking’ is the top 2nd customer requirement when attending an event. Plus, the maximum walking distances accepted for events, theme parks, stadiums and arenas reach as high as 2,000 feet. Firepool to High St is 3,696 ft meaning Firepool attendees will walk as far as Debenhams building, which is not the heart of the town where we want footfall to occur. And….

c) The economic impact and footfall does not directly benefit the town centre or regenerate our High Street.

d)  SWT commissioned a consultancy in 2021 to develop a ‘Taunton Performance Venue at Firepool –market assessment’ and stated that: “The Council has previously explored the potential to deliver a major ‘mid-size’ entertainment arena of 2,500+ capacity at Firepool at a high level. Our analysis suggests that the local catchment (and regional event touring patterns) would be insufficient to sustain a venue of that scale.” The report also cited that large national operators saw it is high risk.

e) If the Firepool proposal went ahead the community connection would be lost as they would require a large national operator, who would be only interested in profits.

No, as there is plenty of parking nearby and this excludes park and ride. The data shows that the following car park nearby equate to: Tangier 209, High Street 257, Canon Street 297, Orchard Multi Storey 553, Crescent 137, Total 1,453 car parking spaces. All within a short walking distance.

If most people come to events with friends and family and sharing cars (not forgetting that many local people may walk or cycle), we need only two thirds of the venue capacity, which is around 733 car parking spaces. So, if we exclude the 533 Orchard multi-story car park spaces, we still end up with 900 car parking spaces.

If we did one major daytime event a month (night parking is free) and those 733 car parking spaces stayed for 4 hours at £5.30, this would bring in an extra income for the council of £3,885 a month, or £46,619 a year. This coupled with smaller events, we believe an extra £100,000 of car parking revenue would be achieved. Not forgetting the visitors spend in shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs, taxis, accommodation, etc.

This is an excellent question and is very much about the wider picture. Though we have a petition which shows 2,429, which was designed to gain an idea of who will support us if we proceed, we believe the question should be rephrased to ‘how many people will benefit from this proposal’.

If you have read the pages on this website and our answers to other questions, you will know that this will provide access of multiple arts and non-art related events to 100,000’s of people each year, of which many would be living in Taunton. It will help fill empty shops, bring money into the town and for the council, create more jobs, boost the tourism trade, fill restaurants, pubs, B&B’s and hotels, and support the creative industries sector within our district.

So, though the petition may not convince you that there is enough community support, the reality is that the knock-on effects on everyone else far out ways the number of supporters, and there is many case studies out there that show that if you make it happen they will come.

We hope that the comment about ‘far more important issues’ is addressed as the proposal for Project Gaumont helps address many issues related to the town centre.     

Yes, the building is listed as Grade II (see https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1116707). This does require the tenant or landlord to protect the listed status by caring out works should issues arrive. This listed building status also has implications from a planning perspective when improvements are needed to return it as a multi-purpose venue.

This is why, as part of studies, a full conversation and maintenance survey and plan, along with any architectural enhancements, will be completed to ensure all areas are covered. This is a costly exercise and practically mandatory but will yield greater understanding of how we manage this amazing building and what costs are involved. Again, we stress here that there are funding streams open on occasions that may assist this function.   

This could be an option if the council get the right offer, and for all we know there is wealthy philanthropist out there that believes in the same things as we do, and will do help us buy the building.

Our project lead and chair, Andrew Knutt, said “If I won £5m on the lottery the first thing I would do is make a offer to the council to buy the building”.

That aside, The UK government has several grant funding programmes now and then, that allow one to buy community beneficial buildings, and some are part of our financial strategy. In fact, some of these funding programmes are also open to the like of Taunton Town Council.   

For example, the council bought the building for £2.1m. One of the grants allows up £2m in funding, so there are many scenarios on one could use to buy the building.