Sustainable Communities

Palace, Ibstock

Organisation:

Completion Date: 31/03/2007

One of the earliest purpose-built cinemas in the country, the Palace predates the grand art deco cinemas of the 30's. After 15 years of hard work, this important building at the heart of Ibstock is enjoying a new life as a community centre. It hosts local groups, film, bingo and special events.

Location

High Street, Ibstock

Project Description

It is terrific to see the Palace open again and being used for such a variety of activities. Our management group are aiming to maximise the benefits of this wonderful facility. Now that the building has been brought back into use it has made a real difference to the High Street with the building being so prominent. I am very confident it will help raise Ibstock's profile and contribute to the economy of the village and surrounding area.
Brian Hall, Chair of The Palace Community Centre Ltd

The aim of this project was to bring the empty and rapidly deteriorating Palace back into use as a community facility, capable of getting a Public Entertainments Licence and hosting a strong range of community activity. It would also work in partnership with Punch Taverns and the tenants of the Ram Inn to improve the adjoining car park and create an outdoor space capable of use for community events, markets and similar activities, linked to the facilities at The Palace.

DEK Architects were used to produce a design that ensured the historical and cultural value of the existing building was retained, whilst creating a facility that meets all the requirements of the 21st century.

The Palace is owned on behalf of the community by Ibstock Parish Council and there is a lease in place with The Palace Community Centre Ltd, an Industrial & Provident Society, with an active membership of local people. The business plan shows that the completed project should not require revenue subsidy to ensure its ongoing sustainabilty. In order to achieve this, the Palace must have a strong programme of locally based community activity and usage.

Other funding for the project came from:

• Leicestershire County Council
• North West Leicestershire District Council
• Ibstock Cory Environmental Trust
• Ibstock Parish Council
• David Wilson
• Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Bridging the Gap
• Ibstock Brick Ltd
• Local fundraising efforts

Outcomes

The project was designed to address needs identified in Ibstock Civic Trust Regeneration Study and the Market Towns Healthcheck, namely:

• improve the village centre
• explore the feasibilty of an occasional market
• strengthen existing community facilities
• provide a central community venue open to all
• create a 'culture' group
• make the best of opportunities presented by the Palace

The physical refurbishment of the building and the car park belonging to the Ram Inn has helped to encourage investment in other buildings on the High Street. It has created a sense of confidence and brought additional activity and visitors to this part of the village.

This community has taken the building to its heart and some existing groups working with parents and toddlers and old people, have relocated to use it. However, it has also created new groups and new activities such as yoga and karate, fostering the start of new businesses to run exercise classes, and particularly bringing in special events, film and bingo.

Over the autumn, the Palace hosted a monthly market, at first on the car park and then as it got colder inside the building. Work is already in hand for events tied in to Leicestershire Food Fortnight in October 2007.

The Events Group continues to promote special events, concerts and activities and the Palace is working with local drama groups to extend the range of cultural activities on offer in the village.

Work has begun on to raise funds for Phase 2 to improve the stage area, create additional meeting spaces and storage and provide space for community radio, Ibstock Historical Society and other local groups.

Project Contacts

Project manager: Brian Hall
Chair of the Palace Community Centre Ltd,
c/o 57 High Street,
Ibstock
Leics LE67 6LH.
Tel: 01530 260460

For booking and event details, contact:
Julia Wilson - as above
Tel: 01530 267303

LSEP contact:
Name Gill Smitherman
Tel: 0116 257 5676
E-mail: gills@lsep.co.uk
Website: www.lsep.co.uk