After being under-threat, Sheffield‘s Abbeydale Picture House is set to be saved with a £300,000 aid package from the government. On Saturday is was announced today that the Grade II-listed building would be saved, by Minsters.
over 100 years old, the landmark building was in need of urgent repairs and campaigners feared if could collapse if not. And, last month the leaseholder, Creative Arts Development Space revealed they were shutting the venue.
The Sheffield arts charity CADS (Creative Arts Development Space) was told two years ago that the ceiling was unsafe and the roof was leaking. The damage to the venue does not extend to the popular speakeasy bar and the fly tower.
Steve Rimmer, founder of CADS, said the money would make a “huge difference” and he was “thankful and excited”.
Two years ago, the was told the ceiling was unsafe and the roof was leaking water, leading to owners closing the auditorium and canceling many events. Parts of the Grade II listed picture house are reportedly at risk of imminent collapse.
The goverenment anounced that ‘nine vital community assets in Yorkshire and the Humber: would be saved from closture thanks to £3.3m announced for the region, The Star reported.
The landmark building is over 100 years old, but campaigners raised fears last year that it could collapse if urgent repairs, expected to cost £160,000 were not carried out.
The money from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Community Ownership Found is said to: “ensure these beloved establishments are protected, ensuring they will be around for generations to come”.
The £300k going to Abbeydale Picture House will be used to buy and repair the existing building and re-establish it was a thriving, vibrant cultural focal point, according to officials. It will continue its function as a community-focused arts venue hosing live music and film screenings.
Jacob Young, Minister for Levelling Up, said: “We know how much these vital community assets mean to people across the country. They are an important lifeline for people young and old, and they’re the beating heart of our towns, cities and villages.
“That’s why we’re stepping in to protect them with a major rescue package, so we stop these great establishments closing or being lost forever and ensure that they continue to sit at the heart of our beloved communities.”
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Feature Image Credit: Photo © Jim Barter (cc-by-sa/2.0)
