After a tumultuous year, the CADS team at Abbeydale Picture House are inviting the public to help #SaveTheAbbeydalePH
2022 has been a challenging year for Sheffield arts charity CADS who, in 2017, undertook a long-term lease with the aim of restoring the Abbeydale Picture House. A dispute with their landlord over roofing repairs led to an unexpected eviction in May.
They regained access to the building in June and are now continuing the long term restoration project.
Photo credit: Lindsay Melbourne
The main auditorium is still out of use due to the much-needed roof repairs, but several alternative areas of the building are now available to use. Like the entire building, these spaces are stuffed with unique features including original plasterwork and antique projectors for film screenings.
With large costs involved in running and maintaining the building, CADS urgently needs to find new ways to use the space with the largest area still out of action and there are many ways Sheffielders can get involved to help save this incredible building.
The CADS team have three new spaces perfect for many different types of events and are inviting the public to get involved by making use of these spaces.
Photo credit: Timm Cleasby
Steve Rimmer from CADS said: “With the main Theatre auditorium still out of action due to the still unresolved dispute with the landlord over roofing repairs, the team have decided to press other parts of this historic site into public use.
“This is intended to raise some much needed capital to assist in the fight to save this important cultural landmark but also to introduce you to some of the many possibilities it can offer and invite public participation in curating, performing or just getting involved!
“Aside from the ‘Fly Tower’ which has and is being used for film screenings, talks and small scale performances, we have a charming ground floor bar available. They are both receiving some renovation and will open very soon for a series of pop up bar events, Christmas parties and will be available for private hire on request.
“Later in November before we open fully we’ll be inviting you all to come and have a look around, have a drink and we’ll be available to chat if you think you can help Save The Abbeydale Picture House in any way, great or small! Keep your eye out, dates will be announced soon!’
The public are encouraged to get in contact with CADS with any enquiries around making use of the space – info@cads-online.org or via social media.
