Colin Trigger, of Woodland Avenue, Teignmouth, chairman of Riviera Revived, writes:

Sorry, Teignmouth does not want a new Silver Screen. What the town, and indeed the whole Teignbridge area does want, is a multi-purpose venue with a decent capacity that could be used for a whole variety of public experiences.

This would of course include the showing of films but in addition, and equally important, be available for choirs, dance groups, lectures, recitals, comedy turns, meetings of community groups and general corporate activities, etc.

However, it is sadly not suitable for full scale theatrical performances which is why the Teignmouth Players have shown no interest in the building, the main reason being the access between currently non-existent dressing rooms and the otherwise excellent stage.

A cinema alone could not pay its way (why did it close in 2000?) but with the right mixture of use, the auditorium could.

What is not generally realised is that this listed building has no fewer than 450 seats and partitioning is not possible so good attendances are vital to its financial survival. A small volunteer working group, Riviera Revived, which I chair, has been looking at how best to return this facility to the benefit of the immediate community area. We have been seeking an initial grant in order to process what we consider the three first steps to determining the viability of the project:

First, establish the schedule of work needed so that the uses outlined above can become possible (architect).

Second, arrive at a realistic cost (quantity surveyor).

Third, knowing the likely cost, review likely sources of funding (professional fundraiser).

We believe these three steps could be achieved within a budget of £5,000 plus vat and it is this figure that has occupied the town council's deliberations recently, and which they have approved be requested from the new 'electors fund'.

The Riviera Revived working party includes many persons associated with the successful construction of the iconic Teign Heritage Centre, opposite Teignmouth railway station, and created largely due to the Task Force's energetic dedication of that project over several years. Consultations have recently taken place with the heritage centre's architect, the heritage centre's quantity surveyor, the Heritage Lottery Fund and of course the building's owner, Ralph Brown. All have indicated enthusiasm and support for the Riviera Revived project although it is admitted that any eventual financial success requires active use by the community – 450 seats is quite a capacity.

The identified problems to date include access for audiences including the disabled, meeting fire and other statutory health and safety requirements, renovating the large stage, the floor coverings, some of the seats, which all date from 1934 and certainly add to the overall art decor atmosphere of the splendidly restored auditorium, and the provision of performers' accommodation with easy access to the stage.

The installation of modern digital projection and sound equipment will be a major item; to not display the 80 year old existing and fascinating projection equipment would be a mistake so we plan to also feature that.

One suggestion has been to remove some seating on the side flanks and instead install tables, etc so that refreshments could be served during specified performances. After all, there is a competent restaurant and bar already in the building and there must be scope for mutual cooperation.

A further consideration is the exact legal relationship between the building's owner and the eventual Trust set up to administer the development and use of the auditorium and its related areas.

We asked on December 3 if we could come under the umbrella of the existing regeneration charity – Teignmouth Community Development Trust – as this would give the working party a degree of status and identity, especially when seeking funding. We still await their decision but are pressing on regardless.

The working group hope that the application for this grant will be successful so that a clear conclusion whether to proceed – or not – can be arrived at; meantime we would like to receive any comments or suggestions and hopefully indications of support from individuals and organisations alike.

It is a shame that this splendid property remains largely unused.MORE LETTERS IN OUR DIGITAL EDITION