Musical hall on list of ‘at risk’ venues
THE Co-op Music Hall in Ramsbottom has been added to a list of venues identified at being at significant risk of being lost for ever.
The Theatres Trust, which protects and supports theatre buildings, has released its annual Theatres at Risk Register for 2021.
The register highlights buildings that have significant merit and strong community value, but which are under threat of demolition or permanent closure.
Every building on the list is believed to have a viable future, either as an events space or for community projects.
Built in 1876 on
Bolton Street, the Co-op Music Hall had space for 800 people and was the chief theatrical and social venue in the town – but it’s been unused since 1944.
The building represents a ‘historically significant building type’.
According to a planning application submitted in August 2020, development company Landa Corporation Ltd hoped to convert the upper levels into apartments, but it has since been withdrawn.
The Theatres Trust is rallying to have the building listed, with the aim to see the building restored and reopened as a music venue. They are calling on local authorities, theatre owners and community groups to work together on creative solutions to protect the venues on the list.