World Shakespeare Centre

[Lex]

The 1st thought that came to mind is more traffic problems: http://www.stratford-herald.com/70630-gateway-masterplan-includes-retail-hotel-visitor-centre.html

[Lex]

Oh good God, hasn't Stratford got enough Shakespeare already?

https://www.stratford-herald.com/news/world-shakespeare-centre-concept-for-gateway-site-in-stratfo-9204541/

[rebbonk]

Maybe kill the golden goose?

[Lex]

I'm starting to think of Stratford as being a 1 trick pony, and the pony's in danger of being flogged to death.

[Lex]

The project's missed out on some funding, but it's only delaying the inevitable: https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/major-blow-stratfords-20m-bid-22126356

[rebbonk]

"reinforce Stratford-upon-Avon's position as the epicentre of the Shakespearian experience" As far as I know, nowhere else claims Shakespeare?

From the outline on the map, that is one big site. What are they going to fill it with?

[Lex]

The plan seems to include 'community facilities', housing, shops & offices as well as a load of Shakespeare gubbins. The words 'theme park' keep popping into my head for some reason. :confused:

[Lex]

As far as I know, nowhere else claims Shakespeare?

They don't want the Earl of Oxford or Francis Bacon taking the credit!

[rebbonk]

They don't want the Earl of Oxford or Francis Bacon taking the credit!

Now that might provoke an interesting discussion. :) :) :)

[Lex]

Haha!

[Lex]

The land 'needed' for the 'World Shakespeare Centre' is up for grabs. I suspect the owner's in for a nice payday, and the people of Stratford District are going to be paying for this white elephant for decades: https://www.stratford-herald.com/news/crunch-meeting-to-decide-future-of-multi-million-pound-strat-9238781/

[Lex]

Some halfwit's decided that moving the coach drop off point to Rother Market's a good idea (for added 'wow factor' for tourists arriving in Stratford). The town's jammed up enough already without dumping tens of coaches in the already crammed streets: https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/coach-park-controversy-as-stratford-gateway-plans-sent-out-for-public-say/

[Lex]

The consultation is now upon us: https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/stratford-gateway-public-consultation-is-now-open/

[rebbonk]

If you really believe in public consultations. My experience is that they are only ever 'quoted' when they go in the direction that those in power (or those funding) want them to go.

[Lex]

The only winners will be the property owners who stand to make a fat pile of cash from selling up.

[Lex]

Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is taking over an empty shop next door to its HQ. Stratford really is turning into a one trick pony: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-67704914

[Lex]

The Greg Hall on Henley Street is safe from the themeparkification of Stratford: https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/st-gregorys-hall-in-stratford-safe-from-demolition/

[Lex]

Just found an old thread on this topic, and merged it with this one. The Stratford Gateway/World Shakespeare Centre's been on the books for nearly a decade, and something's only just happening: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c88z3z5p7e8o

Another white elephant for the zoo?