TOP fashion designer Wayne Hemingway is highlighting a fundraising campaign for vital repair work at an iconic theatre.

Burnley Empire Trust needs to raise £10,000 by September to help stabilise the Grade II Listed building or risk further deterioration of the town centre gem.

Due to the Covid-19 crisis all potential funding streams for essential stabilisation works are no longer available.

The £10,000 would be used to start essential work including asbestos removal on the ground floor of the auditorium and repairing parts of the roof to stop more water getting in.

Trust director and chair, Sophie Gibson, said: “Unfortunately we’re faced with the unexpected effects to grant funding and are now looking towards the public for their support.

“The stabilisation of the building is paramount for continuing the project as the building urgently needs making watertight before the end of the year.

“The removal of asbestos is key to creating public access and carrying out the roof repairs to prevent any further deterioration.

“We’re volunteers from the local area who took a leap of faith when we bought the building because we knew that it was the right thing to do for the future of the town and strongly believe that restoring the large venue will support local businesses, the people and bring prosperity to Burnley.

“But at the moment, the Burnley Empire needs you and your support to kick start that work.

“For anyone who can support us, you’ll be directly helping the future of the Burnley Empire.

Wayne Hemingway said: “I’ve been supporting the Burnley Empire and the people to rescue it for a number of years.

“When Sophie Gibson first approached me about this, I saw a new generation looking at a magnificent old building that my generation and other generations have allowed to get into this state.

“Burnley needs this, all towns do, and that’s the reason why I got involved.

“Some of the greatest things that have been done in urban design are when you take a brilliant building with the soul of the history that runs through it and then you repurpose it, add modern interventions and you do new things inside.

“When you see the actual building itself, you can’t help but be moved by the possibilities about how it could be a place for future generations to enjoy a multitude of uses”.

To support the next phase and get the project going visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/burnleyempiretrust