Bedworth Civic Hall secures significant funding to 'guarantee' reopening in July

The CIO has been awarded £165,000 in funding.

Bedworth Civic Hall CIO, a volunteer-led community group, has secured funding which means the doors can reopen in July 2024. 

The CIO has been awarded £165,000 in funding from the ACT ONE Community Ownership and Transformation Project.

Sam, Chair and CEO of the Bedworth Civic Hall CIO, said: "Exciting news: Today Bedworth Civic Hall CIO is pleased to announce we have been awarded £165,000 towards delivering our ACT ONE Community Ownership and Transformation Project: Bedworth Civic Hall and Community Hub aka reopening. 

"Our bid was highly praised and we are looking forward to putting our ideas into action. We can't wait for people to come through the doors again. 

"Thank you everyone for your help in making this happen. From those who fought from day one, to those who came to meetings and those who told us what they wanted to see at the venue and supported us. You all made a difference and made this happen. A special thanks to Nikki Marie who sat with me and we shared in writing the bid. We achieved this as a team"

In March, the CIO exchanged contracts on a 20-year agreement for Bedworth Civic Hall with the Council.

The lease will only take effect if the external funding identified by the CIO in their business plan has been secured.

Following the local election, Cllr Chris Watkins, who is set to become Leader of the Council at the Annual Council meeting on Wednesday, 15 May, said: “The Council is pleased that CIO is making progress with funding, and we are working hard to complete work to enable reopening.

“We are extending the lease handover timelines to allow the CIO time to establish receiving their funding and work to be completed.

“We wish them the best of luck and look forward to seeing the Civic Hall open its doors again and becoming a fantastic venue, not just for Bedworth but for the rest of our borough and further afield.’’

Several shows have already been confirmed for the venue including the Julie Bromage Dance Academy performing in July and Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime in December.