Elite finally looks set to create new memories for the town

IT has felt like every few years the News Telegraph has been invited for an exclusive look around the Elite Building in Market Place, with the suggestion given to us that something exciting could be about to happen.

But this time it’s different. This time there’s a funding deadline but, more importantly, there are workmen in and they’re busy. Things really are about to happen.

The beautiful old building would have some fascinating tales to tell as it has hosted generations of Ashburnians out for a good time.

Whether they were there to catch a movie, or to let their hair down in the nightclubs, most Ashburnians will have fond memories of “The Elite”.

Cassandra’s, Madison’s, Vegas, are all nightclubs that have been and gone, but it’s time now for at least half of the Elite Cinema to become a cinema once more.

And it will be a very exciting and worthwhile new addition for Ashbourne.

Wirksworth has a cinema, Belper has a cinema, Uttoxeter has a cinema – so an Ashbourne cinema is long overdue.

We already have the flourishing Ashbourne Community Cinema which is going from strength to strength and this followed other similar projects that enjoyed success in village halls around the area.

So to bring this all into one big, purpose-built venue will be a true asset for the town.

Mick Gallimore insists he hasn’t quite reached the home straight yet, and there are still plenty of challenges lying ahead if he’s to aim for a completion in September, but it feels closer than ever to becoming a reality.

And we’ll be there to report on it every step of the way.