Iconic Nuneaton venue could be brought back to life

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has indicated its support in principle for Aspire in Arts to explore restoring historic Co-operative Hall in Nuneaton for community use.

Aspire in Arts has announced early plans to explore the restoration and redevelopment of the historic Co-operative Hall space next to its current venue in Abbey Street in Nuneaton town centre.

The project would see the former hall area refurbished and brought back into community use as part of Aspire in Arts’ wider cultural and community programme.

Aspire in Arts is currently working with heritage specialists and architects to develop proposals and explore funding opportunities, including a potential application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

If successful, the project would restore the historic hall while creating a flexible venue for performances, community events, creative training and youth activities.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has indicated its support in principle for Aspire in Arts exploring the project, subject to external funding being secured and formal agreements being completed.

The proposal is currently at an early stage, and no final decisions have been made.

Cllr Nicky King, Portfolio Holder for Business Regeneration, said:

"This building has a significant and longstanding history in Nuneaton town centre, and I'm sure residents will be delighted to hear that plans are being explored to bring the hall back into community use.

"While previous generations will hold many fond memories of time spent here, it would create a new home for younger people in the borough to make memories of their own.

"This is another example of how we are preparing for the future while respecting our heritage."

Amina Bhagatte-Mamoojee, CEO of Aspire in Arts, said:

"We are excited to explore the potential of bringing this historic space back into use for the community. The Co-operative Hall has an important place in the town’s history, and we want to ensure that its future reflects that heritage while creating opportunities for arts, culture and young people in Nuneaton."

The project is currently in the early development stage, and Aspire in Arts will now begin exploring the feasibility of the proposals and preparing potential funding applications.

Community memories and photographs

As part of the early development work, Aspire in Arts is inviting local residents to share their memories of the Co-operative Hall.

Many people in Nuneaton will remember events held in the former hall and ballroom, and Aspire in Arts is keen to reconnect the building with those memories as part of the project.

The organisation is particularly interested in:

• Photographs of the hall or former ballroom
• Memories of events held there
• Stories about the Co-operative building and its role in the community
• Programmes, posters or memorabilia from past events.

These contributions will help build a picture of the building’s history and may form part of future exhibitions or heritage displays.

Anyone with photographs, memories or information about the Co-operative Hall is encouraged to contact Aspire in Arts by email at: amina@aspireinarts.org.