A community interest company is working with business advisors to give new life to an empty 1930s cinema in County Durham.
The house lights were turned off for the last time at The Roxy in Leadgate in 1985, having spent more than 45 years entertaining locals, as a picture house and later as a bingo hall. The building has lain empty ever since, but Watling Spaces, a community interest company (CIC), is returning the venue to its former glory in a labour of love for manager David Barnes, who returned to his native North East to lead the restoration project after spending 14 years working as an actor in London.
Watling Spaces has already completed a new two storey extension which includes three studios, a new foyer and a cafe bar housed in the cinema’s original projection room. The studios – which opened last September – include sprung floors, mirror walls, sound-proofing and AV systems, and have already hosted everything from dance lessons to fitness classes, band rehearsals and stand-up comedy.
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Now the second phase of the development is under way, which will see the stage and auditorium restored to create a 360-seat community theatre with stalls and a circle.
Although the layout has changed substantially, the 1930s art deco features have been lovingly restored by Mr Barnes and his team of three, who have carried out all of the work themselves, learning the skills and regulations to make sure everything produced is up to spec.
Mr Barnes said: “Although it’s been a lot of hard work, it’s a pleasure to see this iconic local venue coming back to life and the building being preserved for the future. We’re quite underserved by arts venues in North West Durham and we believe this can plug that gap and be a real community asset.
“I was part of local theatre groups in this area when I was a kid and I know the huge impact they can have on people’s lives, helping them grow in confidence and find their tribe, and that’s one of the big drivers for me. I’m also passionate about the arts being available to everyone and that’s why we’re making sure that all areas of the venue are fully accessible, including the grand circle, stage and orchestra pit.”
The community interest company (CIC) is now being supported by business advisers at the North East BIC, through the Social Enterprise Boost Durham programme funded by the Ƶ Government.
Judith Falla, social enterprise business adviser at the BIC, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure supporting David and the Watling Spaces team and seeing the venue develop. David’s vision is bringing a bit of London theatre to Leadgate and benefiting the local and wider community, so watch this Watling Space.”
