JAMES BAY BACKS CITY’S CULTURE HUB
Chart-topper James Bay will be patron of a Sunderland culture hub as it breathes new life into a once derelict historic building.
The Echo can reveal that the singer-songwriter, who shot to fame with Hold Back the River, has thrown his weight behind Pop Recs as it expands into larger premises in High Street West.
It’s not the first time the singer has supported the multi-purpose record shop, coffee shop, gig and arts space. In 2015, he played to a packed house at its original site in Fawcett Street and spoke passionately about Pop Recs’ drive to bring more culture to the city.
Now the Brit Award-winner, who is touring the UK with second album Electric Light, will be patron of Pop Recs on the back of its move from its current base in Stockton Road to empty Grade II-listed buildings in High Street West, which were once the site of the original Binns department store.
The site, opposite Arabesque restaurant, is being repaired and Pop Recs has been given a £15,000 Arts Council England (ACE) Nathe tional Lottery project grant which, in partnership with Sunderland Culture, Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust (TWBPT) and the Heritage Action Zone, will enable it to move into the building.
The buildings sit within the city’s Heritage Action Zone, and were gifted by Sunderland City Council to TWBPT which has begun the restoration thanks to a grant from Historic England.
Pop Recs will move into repaired buildings in the summer, while maintaining their premises on Stockton Road in the meantime.
Dave Harper, of Pop Recs and drummer for Frankie & the Heartstrings, said: “James has been amazingly supportive of Pop Recs.
“We got to know him through his tour manager, who we know, and when he came up to sing for us in Fawcett Street he said he would do what he could to support us.
“A lot of people have said that to us, but it’s a testament to James that he has continued to support us and been pivotal in our development.
“We’re delighted that he has agreed to be our patron and we really appreciate his enthusiasm and backing.
“He’s coming to Sunderland to visit the new premises and I’m hoping he’ll come back to open them when we’re fully ready.
“We’re looking forward to having a bigger venue, where we can make a difference for the people of Sunderland and in particular, the people of the East End.”
“James has been amazingly supportive” DAVE HARPER