A Burnley theatre is set to be given a new lease of life as volunteers launch a fundraiser to carry out further repairs.
Members of the Burnley Empire Trust, who are trying to restore, revive, and regenerate the Burnley Empire for future generations, have launched a Crowdfunder to restore the stage house of the theatre.
The group are trying to raise £35,000 in order to make the area wind and watertight so the group can work towards putting the space back into community use.
Sophie Gibson, chair of Burnley Empire Trust, said they will restore the theatre in phases, starting with the stage house.
She said: “After the work we have already carried out it's clear that the best route and viable route to restore the Empire is to take this phased approach through restoring the stage house first.
“Before we can do that we need to continue and complete stabilisation works within the stage house area, make it wind and watertight.
“We've already secured funds to carry out survey work in the area including the fly towers and to create 3D scans of the area through, thanks to Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities Programme Grant,
“It's essential that we get the area wind and water tight which is quite a job as we have a hole in part of the roof and a very tall building.
“That's why we're turning to the public to help 'Raise For The Roof' so we can keep up the momentum of the project and try to get the roof sealed for Winter.”
The £35,000 raised will go towards scaffolding, materials and beyond.
Sophie said: “Our target is £35,000 which will cover the scaffolding to access the area, materials, roofworks and general roof maintenance whilst there's safe access onto the roof and we'd be incredibly grateful for any donations towards our Crowdfunder that can help make these works happen and potentially this year.
Earlier this month the theatre, which has been closed to the public since 1995, opened its doors for Heritage Open Days.
More than 120 people were welcomed inside the Grade II Listed building.
Sophie said: “Access was limited due to the current condition of the stage house but the open days were still a great success with everyone who visited the venue more supportive than ever to see the historic gem be put back into public use to facilitate a variety of entertainment in the town for the people of Burnley and beyond once again.
“We're already ahead of schedule towards a full restoration and would love to facilitate more open days for larger groups and allow further public access.”
Earlier this year the theatre was listed on the Theatres Trust’s at risk register and could be lost forever if steps are not take to preserve it.
It has been on the list since it was created by the Theatres Trust’s in 2006.
It has a risk factor - meaning risk of demolition, alteration to another use, local development adversely affecting the theatre, change of ownership, decay of the building or capital/revenue concerns - of seven out of 10.
To donate to the Crowdfunder visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/raise-for-the-roof
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