AN application to convert a former Methodist chapel and HQ of Falmouth Theatre Company into a community space and flat has been submitted to Cornwall Council.

The building in Chapel Terrace was the base for the theatre company for 30 years before rising maintenance costs meant it had to be sold.

A two-bedroomed apartment will be built in the new roof space to enable the project to go ahead.

Underneath will be a community space with a new accessible WC and changing facility and kitchen which can cater for public functions.

The main hall will retain its double height volume and the ability to host theatre groups and flexible to cater for other community groups in the area. The scale of the development will largely remain the same.

In its design statement Falmouth based architects LilyRose Architecture said: "The retention of the community space is a rarity in today’s market driven economy, and will bring much needed and appropriate regeneration to the conservation area." 

Falmouth Packet:

An architect's design of what the proposed new re-development will look like. Picture LilyRose Architectural/Cornwall Council planning register

They say the front elevation must be rebuilt and a circular feature included to provide a modest circular window and views of the harbour with the addition of a roof terrace and inset balcony.

The scale of the development will remain largely the same with a slight change in the roof form to the rear, increasing the size to accommodate rear stair access to the apartment buildings.

The existing PVC windows will be removed and replaced with timber aluminium composite ones. The unsafe asbestos sheets will be replaced with natural slate.

Inside many of the timber features and forms will be kept. Although there is a woodworm beetle infestation, it is hoped they will be retained as far as practically possible and reincorporated or ‘re-interprated' into the new space with a sense of the building’s history retained.

The front door will be replaced with structural glass doors and removable timber shutters for security.

“To enable the continued use of the community space below it has been necessary to alter the roof form to provide the residential accommodation without impeding the double height space of the main hall, which we believe to be acceptable in bringing this building back to full use.

“Lilyrose do not consider that any negative impact will occur to the conservation area, but will enhance the appearance, material finishes and safety of our built environment.”

The plans were lodged with Cornwall Council this week.