Just a month after CADS (Creative Arts Development Space) made the difficult decision to close the Abbeydale Picture House, the charity has announced it has been awarded a £300,000 grant from the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund.
CADS has said that this grant marks a vital step towards the restoration of the iconic Grade II listed building, which was recently added to the Theatre’s Trusts’ At-Risk Register. The funding from the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities will allow CADS to not only move towards buying the building but also prepare for the essential repairs the building needs.
The Abbeydale Picture House has become known for its impressive architectural design but has faced challenges over its lifetime, such as damage to its main auditorium, which has made the building unsafe to use.
Photo credit: Timm Cleasby
The charity will be holding an ‘open doors’ event in the coming weeks and is hoping that the local community and potential partners would be willing to get involved in the extensive project to save an essential part of Sheffield’s cultural heritage.
The Abbeydale Picture House, which first opened in 1920, was nicknamed the “Picture Palace” owing to its luxurious cream and gold colour scheme. CADS took over the lease for the building in 2017 with hopes of undertaking an extensive refurbishment project.
CADS has a substantial background in successfully renovating disused spaces with their plans for the Abbeydale Picture House being their most ambitious yet.
Photo credit: Lindsay Melbourne
CADS founder and board director, Steve Rimmer, has expressed his excitement about securing the grant but has also recognised the difficulties that lie ahead for the restoration project. He said: “While this grant is undoubtedly a huge leap forward in our mission to revive The Abbeydale Picture House, it’s important to recognise that this is the first step of many to fully restore the building to its former glory.
“We are immensely grateful for this support from the Community Ownership Fund. It’s a testament to the importance of the Abbeydale Picture House not just to CADS but to Sheffield.
“We’d also like to note special thanks to Sheffield City Council for their continued support, especially in recent months, Professor Vanessa Toulmin Director of City & Culture at The University of Sheffield who advised on this latest funding bid and has assisted CADS for many years.
“We are at a pivotal moment in our journey to save The Abbeydale Picture House. This grant is a vital step to help save this magnificent building for future generations to enjoy.”
For more information about CADS please check their website, facebook, X and Instagram pages and look out for the open-doors event in the coming weeks.
