Bandstand Consultation - The Options

Option 1 - Existing Bandstand - Restored

• Estimated cost: £160,000
• Covered area: 52.5m2 (63 sq. yds)
• Dimensions: 10.5m x 5m (35ft x 16ft)
• Max height: 5m (16ft)
• Material: Brick/concrete

The existing bandstand is in poor condition and would need to be dismantled, repaired and rebuilt to ensure it is structurally sound. Most of the broken concrete 'stonework' would have to be remade. The steel beams holding up the ceiling and floor would have to be completely replaced.

There may be a requirement to install an access ramp to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act. This would be costly, and, due to the height of the platform, the ramp would be very long and intrusive.

Key points

• Existing 1930s design is retained intact
• Limited use for events and activities due to size and height off ground
• Large access ramp would be required to meet disabled access requirements
• Additional staging would need to be brought in for major events
• High cost of repair for small building
• Taking down and rebuilding the structure is required due to poor structural condition
• Estimated to last for 25 years

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Option 2 - Existing Bandstand - with Alterations

• Estimated cost: £160,000
• Covered area: 52.5m2 (63 sq. yds)
• Dimensions: 10.5m x 5m (35ft x 16ft)
• Max height: 5m (16ft)
• Material: Brick/concrete

This proposal would keep the existing structure largely intact (it would first have to be restored in the same way as Option 1) but the floor level would be lowered and a wide platform added to create a larger, more accessible performance space.  The lower level floor would also mean that the safety railings could be removed.  The new floor surface would be constructed to match the new paving nearby.

Key points

• Existing shape of 1930s bandstand would remain largely the same
• New, lower platform would allow disabled access via short ramp
• Larger performance area
• New floor materials would match adjacent paving
• Cost of work is high
• Taking down and rebuilding the structure is required due to poor structural condition
• Size of performance space is still restricted
• Estimated to last for 25 years

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Option 3 - Victorian style

• Estimated cost: £160,000
• Covered area: 102m2 (122 sq. yds)
• Dimensions: 11.4m diameter (37ft)
• Max height: 7m (23ft)
• Material: Steel

A Victorian style bandstand would be placed on a low platform, which would also allow disabled access.

The larger size would allow more space than the existing bandstand (almost twice as much covered area).

Key points

• Design echoes the original 'Orchestra' structure once located in the park
• Octagonal design fits well with central area layout
• Larger space would allow a wider range of activities to take place
• Does not form a functional 'stage' area
• New, lower platform would allow disabled access via short ramp
• Traditional style is less suitable for 21st Century range of activities
• Cost of structure is high
• Side panels removable for flexibility
• Estimated to last for 40 years

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Option 4 - Tensile Structure

• Estimated cost: £70,000
• Covered area: 200m2 (239 sq. yds)
• Dimensions: 22m x 13.5m (72ft x 44ft)
• Max height: 7m (23ft)
• Material: Tensile fabric, steel poles

A tensile fabric structure would give the best value for money and would allow a very large covered area to be created, which could be used for a wide range of activities and events.

The tensile material is very strong and damage resistant. This material has been successfully used in many modern buildings.

Key points:

• Very strong material, used in many modern buildings
• Modern design for the 21st century
• Very large covered area creates space for many activities
• Twin-masted design reflects Gloucester's maritime heritage
• Optional, removable, rear sound reduction screen for events
• Easy disabled access
• Flexible for a wide range of users
• Fits within the redesign of the Park
• Estimated to last for 35 years

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