A TRUST set up to preserve a resort’s historic buildings wants to see a former nightclub restored it to its former use as a theatre.The Llandudno Seaside Buildings Preservation Trust has previously renovated the former St George’s School in the resort, and was instrumental in the preservation of the former Tabernacl Chapel.
And trust member John Lawson-Reay says it is now investigating ways of acquiring the premises, which until last week housed the Broadway Boulevard nightspot.
Originally the building, which has protective Grade II listing, was the Grand Theatre which became nationally famous during the Second World War as the popular radio show ITMA (It’s That Man Again) featuring comedian Tommy Handley was broadcast from there.
And before becoming a nightclub it had been home to a repertory company which staged a wide variety of plays.
John explained: “The theatre is still there behind plywood which was erected to convert it into a nightclub, and would need minimal alterations to convert it back to that use.
“All the elements of a theatre are there, from the stage, dressing rooms and boxes to the circle and seating. Our vision is to reinstate it, and make it a facility for community use.
“We envisage dual use as a cinema, and for small theatrical productions so it wouldn’t be in competition with Venue Cymru.
“It would fill a niche and could be used for a variety of purposes. For instance it would be ideal for amateur groups and for smaller, more intimate performances.
“We have identified parts of the building which need attention but there is nothing too serious in terms of structural work,” he claimed.
Last year Llandudno Civic Society, of which he is chairman, was able to hold an open day there giving people an opportunity to look around the building.
“Among those who came were members of the National Theatres Society who described it an as absolute gem of a theatre and thought it was in a remarkably good state of preservation.
“The stage facilities, including lifts and trap doors, are all still intact which is quite amazing,” he added.
As a charitable Trust, John believes the organisation would be able to attract funding for the project.
“As it is a listed building we could look at Heritage Lottery grants, and there are other funding sources we may be able to tap into.
“Our aim would be to acquire and restore the building and then pass it on to another group to administer,” he added.
And entertainer Ian Turner says he would like to be part of the project and explore ways in which that could be achieved.
“The Grand is an important part of the town’s entertainment history and we need to preserve it.
“With dual use as a cinema and theatre, and if we put the right productions in there, I’m sure it would work,” he said.
The Boulevard’s owners Atmosphere Bars and Clubs Ltd, based in Milton Keynes, went into administration last month due to cashflow problems.
But the nightspot stayed open while administrators Deloitte, appointed in May, tried to find a buyer for it.
However, last week they announced they had been unsuccessful and it closed for good.
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/broadway-boulevard-could-saved-community-4693027
