New all-day parking restrictions around Devonport Park could threaten the future of the hugely-successful Soapbox Children’s Theatre, according to its director Iain Slade.
Plymouth City Council has already introduced an order restricting parking in Milne Place to permit holders only between 9am and 6pm – and also plans to impose a similar order in Exmouth Road.
Director Iain Slade has written an open letter to Council Leader Tudor Evans appealing for the restrictions to be amended – without which he fears the award-winning theatre has an uncertain future.
A ‘Save Our Soapbox’ petition has attracted more than 1,000 supporters and the team behind the Soapbox are determined to fight on.
In his letter Iain said:
“We believe (the restrictions) are aimed largely at dissuading problematic commuter traffic from the dockyard parking in the area.
“Unfortunately, since the first restriction in Milne Place was put in place, commuter parking has simply moved into the adjacent streets exacerbating the situation.
“As a result, The Soapbox has seen a substantial decline in weekday ticket sales for its baby and toddler shows.
“Many parents we have spoken with, although extremely positive about the service we provide, have complained about the difficulty they face with parking when visiting the theatre.
“We believe that if Plymouth City Council were to impose further all-day parking restrictions in the nearby streets, it would render the theatre and park inaccessible to many and threatens the future viability of the theatre.”
He said that the theatre’s core audience visit during weekdays between 10.30am and 3pm and spend approximately two hours at the theatre, cafe and park.
He added:
“Just over 30% travel from outside of Plymouth, from as far away as Exeter and St Austell. All have babies or small children and a fair proportion are pregnant and are unable to walk far with small children in tow.
“We have implemented a travel plan to encourage users to walk, cycle or use public transport, but for some families this is just not possible due to distances, lack of infrastructure, mobility issues or circumstance.
“It’s crystal clear that these parking restrictions will put families off visiting the park, theatre and cafe. As an independent community business, we depend on ticket sales to support the work we do within our local area and for our continued existence as an organisation.”
The Soapbox is the only theatre in the South West Peninsula specialising in creating professional new theatre for children aged six months to 15 years.
With funding from Plymouth City Council’s City Change fund, sponsorship by local companies such as CityBus and the Co-op and three crowdfunding campaigns, the run-down building has been given a new lease of life.
The director are looking to raise a further £350,000 for the next phase of development, which will see the creation of an outdoor learning space, rooftop stage, a two hundred seat amphitheatre and increased employment and graduate opportunities.
Iain added:
“Our vision is to create a nationally recognised centre of excellence for children’s theatre and culture. We are proud of the transformation we have achieved in re-purposing an unloved building, which, as you may know, was originally a semi-derelict WWII mustard gas decontamination unit and former scabies clinic. This historical building has become something hopeful and remarkable for the children of our city.”
One local councillor, Kate Taylor, has already pledged her support for the campaign, but so far Soapbox have had no response from Tudor Evans.
A period of consultation over the planned restrictions ended in July and the Highways Department are currently preparing a report for the city council based on the responses.
Iain added:
“We want to reassure local residents that we are not looking for the restrictions to be totally removed – just adjusted so that families and children who want to use the Soapbox during the day can park nearby.”
If you want to sign the ‘Save Our Soapbox’ petition, go to tinyurl.com/yxmua6j2
