VOLUNTEERS fighting to save Burnley’s 122-year-old former theatre said they are ‘jumping for joy’ after surveyors gave their hopes a massive boost.

Campaigners have received the initial draft of a viability survey which confirms there is a way forward for the Burnley Empire Theatre and they can now progress the next step in their plan to bring it back into use.

More detailed work will now be required to pin down the exact costings of bringing the Cow Lane auditorium, last used as a theatre in 1938, back to life.

Shaun McCree, acting chairman at the Burnley Empire Theatre Trust (BETT), said: “We have seen the first draft of the study, which gives us the go-ahead to commission the next phase.

“It is not now a question of if it can be saved, it is how and when?

“The second phase looks at exactly what can be done, the building work and what is needed financially to make it into a working theatre.

“The first part will be getting the roof put back on and making it safe.”

He said the volunteer group is looking at architectural heritage funding and heritage lottery funding among other options as well as a model which will allow them to become an official charity.

“We can now officially raise money as the viability survey has confirmed it has a future.

“We are very pleased and what we really need to do now is let people know what is happening so they can get involved.”

He said they are looking for volunteers who can help in any way they can either with the restoration and with on-going fundraising.

“In the long-term, we will be looking for people for the day-to-day running.

“We really see this as a community venue going forward,” he added.

Council chiefs have previously estimated that it could take up to £20million to renovate the building, which was remodelled by famous designer Bertie Crewe in 1911.

As part of their fundraising campaign the group hosted a Night of Magic at the Inn on the Wharf on Friday, featuring Mr McCree, who has been a magician for 30 years, Carl Royle, Mark James and Jez Mansfield.

And the hostelry, off Manchester Road, will also be home to BETT’s regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, from 7.30pm, to discuss fresh ideas.

For many years the Empire, which has an entrance off St James Street, served as a cinema and bingo hall.

And during the Second World War, away from the bombing in the south, it acted as a temporary home for the renowned Old Vic and Sadlers Wells theatre companies.