Restoring Loughborough's Generator Hall to create a large capacity, multi-purpose community arts venue, for all creative arts.
by Generator Loughborough CIC in Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
Our stretch target will go towards kitting out the basement and making it a public space for the first time. Until now the basement has been unusable because of flooding. We will ‘tank’ it so that it is completely dry and usable. It will be fully accessible with lift and stairs and be suitable for multiple uses, such as a mini cinema, a recording and editing studio, a green room and a space for workshops.
We’ve set our sights on restoring the sizable Generator Hall on Packe Street creating a new arts and culture hub for the town, whilst keeping the industrial 1930s feel of the space which many will know as part of the Old Art College. Once open, the Generator Hall will create a large-capacity venue, and host events at a scale currently not possible in town, catering for all creative arts activities and for all Loughborough communities.
What does 'double the money' mean?
The Architectural Heritage Fund will let us ‘double our money’ up to the end of March, with every £1 donated becoming £2, up to a total of £25k. So this Crowdfunder could generate £50k for the project and the town.
What will I be able to do at the new venue?
The size of this space being key, this will be a venue capable of holding large ticketed events bringing new performers to Loughborough.
You’ll be able to go here to see:
You'll also be able to take part in:
Or be one of the people making these things happen.
This is a space that will showcase events involving Loughborough's many diverse communities, creating shared experiences for all.
The large space the hall offers will also be available to local groups, businesses or individuals with a reason to gather a crowd, from conferences to conventions to product launches.
A team of people are working hard to bring more life and cultural activity into the town centre, building on existing facilities and adding a new wonderful and truly unique space for creativity to flourish. It is anticipated that The Generator will operate as a creative hub, working as a catalyst to help invigorate the creative sector – tapping into the enormous talent pool that we have available in the town and surrounding areas
What will this money be spent on?
The bulk of the money raised in March through this Crowdfunder 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!
When can I use the venue?
It is hoped that building works will start in 2023, with plans to open in 2024.
How much have you raised so far?
The Generator needs £2.5m overall to preserve the space and convert it into a multi-purpose community arts venue. The team have raised an impressive £2m so far, having secured funding and support from many leading organisations: Town Deal, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Architectural Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, Charnwood Borough Council, Loughborough University and the LLEP. We are also very grateful to Loughborough University and Our Neighbourhood for their support in helping to secure the building.
But there's still a gap. This Crowdfunder is going to help close the gap, and is our way to let everyone take part in bringing the hall back into use.
I cannot donate right now, can I still help?
For people who cannot donate at the moment you can still help us by sharing the campaign in social media and tell friends and family. You'll find buttons that make sharing easy on this page! No action is too small.
Who is behind the Generator CIC?
Our directors work on a voluntary basis, and as a CIC (Community Interest Company), 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 Generator is being supported by Loughborough Town Deal which awarded the project a £1.6 million grant. Loughborough Town Deal is supporting 11 projects after securing £16.9 million of Government funding. In total, the projects are worth more than £40 million of investment for the town.
Restoration has already taken place at the other half of the Old Art College site, the four-storey building fronting Frederick Street. Here the partners of The Generator CIC (Loughborough coworking company Our Neighbourhood) have brought the space back into use with several creative businesses (including Ohh Deer and Cotton Clara) on the upper floors, while the ground floor coffee shop and bread baker, Public and Plants, is thriving.
Is there a hashtag?
Yes, we're sharing our campaign using #GeneratorCrowdfunder on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
This project offers rewards in return for your donation. Please select a reward below.