Date: 10/10/2007
Plans for a lottery bid to turn Glossop Town Hall into a community theatre and arts centre were unveiled today by Councillor Tony Kemp, High Peak Borough Council's Executive Member for Regeneration, in partnership with High Peak CVS and Glossop Volunteer Centre.
Following an inspection of the building with the regeneration team and fellow councillors, Councillor Kemp asked officers to work up an outline scheme and seek potential funding.
Speaking about the project he said: "When I was first appointed to the Regeneration portfolio I visited the Municipal buildings complex for a meeting and was struck by just how splendid the Glossop public buildings really are. Later, I met with colleagues who told me of the gradual loss of arts and theatre facilities in the area and asked for help in re-building Glossop community facilities."
"They stressed that there is a real lack of quality places where people can get together. The vision we have is of the building rejuvenated as a flexible performance, exhibition and meeting space, with provision to support local voluntary organisations."
When a new opportunity was identified of up to £1 million from lottery funds to regenerate community assets, voluntary sector organisation representatives in Glossop were asked if they would be willing to work with High Peak Borough Council and bid for money to improve Glossop Town Hall as a place where local people can meet.
Councillor Kemp went on to say: "They responded with great enthusiasm and we are now committed to submitting an initial bid by the 14th November deadline. At this stage we do not have fixed plans on what should go into the building but we anticipate that it will include performance space and improved access for people with disabilities."
"We will be consulting widely with the people of Glossopdale to find out what they want in the refurbished Town Hall. Our aim will be to create an exciting place for all the community to use."