Abbeydale Picture House: Crowdfunder to renovate and relaunch iconic venue
Two years ago, the Abbeydale Picture House reopened its doors and has since played host to an eclectic range of events, from weddings and gigs to poetry performances and film screenings. The Grade II listed cinema has captured the imagination of the Sheffield people and CADS, the Sheff-based charity who hold the lease and manage the building, believe that what they've accomplished so far is just a glimpse of what the Picture House could become.
Anyone who has visited the Abbeydale Picture House will know that it's desperately in need of some TLC. The process of fully restoring the building to its former glory will undoubtedly be long and expensive, but CADS have put together a three-phase plan which will culminate in a full-scale restoration that sees the Picture House become a nationally-recognised arts venue.
The Picture House is currently limited to using 45 temporary event notices across the auditorium, fly tower and car park each year, so the first phase of the plan focuses on obtaining a premises license for the building which will enable it to host events all year round.
For this, CADS need your help. They've launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for the first phase of work, which will include fitting fire alarms and a CCTV system, carrying out smaller remedial works, and implementing the design and structural engineering work that's needed to upgrade the fire escape at the rear of the building.
Their aim is to hit £35,000 by Monday 10 June. There are some ace rewards on offer, including use of the Picture House for a photoshoot, the opportunity to screen a classic film of your choice, a tour of the building with a historian, and free entry to all of their events for the first year. Every penny really does count and the team at CADS will be grateful for every pound that's pledged.
Donate here.
