Representation by Britten Pears Arts (Britten Pears Arts)
- Date submitted
- 30 September 2020
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Background Britten Pears Arts (BPA), reg. charity 261383, was originally formed in 1948, with the creation of the Aldeburgh Festival of Music and the Arts. The organisation, founded by the leading international composer Benjamin Britten and his partner Peter Pears, has evolved and grown in recent years, culminating in the recent merger of Snape Maltings and the Britten–Pears Foundation in April 2020. BPA is located at two sites – the world famous Snape Maltings Concert Hall, with a range of music facilities, shops and restaurants, and at The Red House in Aldeburgh, Britten’s former home, where his archive is held. Although famous as an international composer and performer, Britten settled in Aldeburgh, largely because of the peace and tranquillity of the area. Every year, more than 525,000 visitors come to the two sites. These visitors are crucial to the economic viability of the organisation. Approximately half of the concert audience live outside Suffolk, and their visits have a substantial positive local economic impact. The experience of visiting the sites is unique internationally, being the combination of world class music performance taking place in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. BPA is a tier 3 Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation, and a national centre for musical excellence. BPA is an internationally significant cultural, heritage and tourism centre and major local employer. BPA is a member of The Suffolk Coast DMO, which is a key marketing partner. Snape Maltings is poorly served by public transport so it is imperative that the road network (especially the A12) is running smoothly. Areas of concern Having reviewed the DCO materials, some of BPA’s concerns are that: • SZC would cause damage to the perception of the area as a place of peace and tranquillity. The unspoiled environment is a key reason that people visit our two sites. • The road-led strategy will create traffic congestion which could deter visitors. • A downturn in visitor numbers would create significant financial harm to BPA and some of its accommodation partners. • The cumulative impacts of SZC and other nearby significant energy projects have not been given satisfactory consideration. Conclusions BPA is highly concerned that, in its current form with a road led strategy, SZC will damage businesses reliant on the visitor economy. BPA is aware that The Suffolk Coast Destination Management Organisation, and other tourism stakeholders, are in discussions with EDF Energy about a promised Tourism Fund. BPA understands that if SZC is to go ahead a substantial fund will be needed to mitigate the harm. However BPA would much prefer the project did not go ahead, avoiding harm in the first place. BPA intends to contribute to future stages of the DCO process when details of the process are published.