Always on
This project successfully funded on 6th July 2023, you can still support them with a donation.
Restoring a gig venue and creating a community hub
Kettering, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
Aim: We want the former Gala Bingo Hall returned to what it was - a gig venue, and a community hub, where Arts, Business and people flourish.
We are seeking £1million to breathe life back into a now derelict former cinema turned bingo hall in Kettering town centre and transform it into a thriving creative hub.
The 25,000sq ft building on the High Street, once the home of a 1,750-seater theatre and cinema, orchestra pit and restaurant, has been empty and unloved for more than five years.
This is all about to change, thanks to the vision and ambition of Lindsey Atkins and Beccy Hurrell - friends and co-founders of creative arts organisation BHVA.
The Northamptonshire based duo are determined to give creativity a new home and launch the Axis Hub, a safe, affordable and dynamic space for the local community, businesses, aspiring musicians, students, start-ups, families and people simply wanting a space to connect.
Their vision is clear – a hub packed with a theatre, performance spaces, music studio, rehearsal rooms, hot desks, spaces for community groups, crafting areas, café and so much more.
The enthusiasm, buy-in and backing to date has already been enormous, with UK wide businesses pledging support and early press coverage securing unprecedented views, comments and feedback.
Our vision
The Axis Hub CIC was formerly launched in 2021.
This CIC’s creative hub will be a gift to Kettering – for people today and for generations to come.
Together, we will …
- Make new memories
- Create a special space and place to meet, collaborate, make friends
- Reignite a passion for creativity
- Help people nurture and develop skills
- Strengthen and unite our communities
- Breathe life back into the High Street
- Give people a reason to be proud of Kettering
So, what’s next and how can you get involved and help?
The building, once home to The Beatles, The Who and Rolling Stones and fondly remembered by locals as a cinema and bingo hall, is now for sale.
BHVA Axis Hub Community Interest Company (CIC) has submitted an expression of interest and is now tasked with raising funds to purchase the building.
The first stage is to raise £1million to buy the building, make it safe and secure and commence phase one of the redevelopment project.
Fundraising is now underway and early funds and investment is needed to guarantee the project’s success.
Join us on this journey. We need donors, backers, supporters, volunteers and funding.