Arts venue cash campaign is aiming to raise the roof
A CROWDFUNDING campaign has been launched by the not-for-profit group aiming to create a new arts and culture venue for Loughborough.
The Generator project aims to transform the 1930s Generator Hall, in Packe Street, keeping the industrial feel of the former art college.
This month could be a lucrative one for the project.
Between now and March 31, the Architectural Heritage Fund has pledged to match the funding generated by the appeal, up to a limit of £25,000, which means £50,000 could be generated.
Restoration has already taken place at the other half of the art college site, the four-storey building fronting Frederick Street.
The partners of The Generator Community Interest Company, coworking company Our Neighbourhood, have brought the space back into use with creative businesses including Ohh Dear and Cotton Clara on the upper floors, while the ground floor includes a coffee shop and bakery.
The Generator Hall side of the restoration needs £2.5 million overall to convert it into a multi-purpose community arts venue.
A total of £2 million has been raised so far, wit the help of organisations including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and Loughborough University and the LLEP.
The biggest amount, £1.6 million, has come from Charnwood Borough Council’s government-backed Loughborough Town Deal fund.
With enabling work taking place now, plans are to open next year.
Generator CIC secretary Jonathan Hale said: “The bulk of the crowdfunding money raised this will be used for essential work: to lift up and repair the roof, adding insulation and soundproofing. We’re literally asking people to help raise the roof!”
Director Jill Vincent said: “This will be a venue capable of holding large, ticketed events bringing new performers to Loughborough. You’ll be able to go here h to t see comedy, d theatre, th t live li music, exhibitions, art projects, workshops and heritage events, or take part in making them.
“This is a space that will showcase events involving Loughborough’s many diverse communities, creating shared experiences for all.”
Fellow director Roger Perrett feels the project will regenerate the town on a wider level.
He said: “It is anticipated that The Generator will operate as a creative hub, working as a catalyst to help invigorate the creative sector – tapping i i into t th the enormous t talent l t pool l that we have available in the town and surrounding areas.”
The large space the hall offers will also be available to groups, businesses or individuals with a reason to gather a crowd, from conferences to conventions to product launches.
All board members work on a voluntary basis, and as a CIC, the project has been set up as a social enterprise that will use profits and assets to run The Generator for the public good.
The crowdfunding page is at: