The Story So Far...
Seven Brethren
Seven Brethren is located on prime riverfront land and is therefore a valuable asset to the town. At present it is dominated by low grade and low value uses and isn’t fulfilling its potential.
A Development Brief for area was adopted in March 2004. This set out a number of objectives for both Seven Brethren to
- Strengthen the character and image of the site
- Enhance any physical, social, economic and cultural assets it may already have
- Improve the environmental quality of the site by managing and preserving existing wildlife and using new landscaping that is in keeping with the area
- Create public open spaces and improve access and use of the River Taw via promenades and mooring/boating facilities
- Enhance cycling, pedestrian and public transport routes to/from the site
Until now Seven Brethren has been very much the “back door” into Barnstaple. On completion of the Barnstaple Western Bypass it will become one of the main entrances to the town, and work must be done to ensure that it is both welcoming and attractive to visitors.
A new college?
Working alongside North Devon District Council, the College has announced that the nearly 7 acre Seven Brethren site is the proposed venue for a new £70million state-of-the art College which will not only change the face of Barnstaple town, but be at the heart of economic, cultural and social development throughout North Devon, Torridge and North Cornwall.
The proposed new college would be located between the current Leisure Centre car park and the Tarka Tennis Centre. The plans include state-of-the art Theatre, Restaurant and sport facilities that will be accessible not only to College students but the community as a whole.
The Council’s Executive have also agreed to replace the current Leisure Centre with a new facility built onto the Tarka Tennis Centre. It is proposed that this will be a joint sports facility with North Devon College. Opportunities for health services to be provided from the same building are also being explored.
Page updated March 2007
