Plans to raise £5 million to restore a historic theatre in Somercotes could help bring one of the village’s most important buildings back into use.
Somercotes Parish Council is hoping to secure funding to restore the former Premier Electric Theatre, which first opened its doors in 1912.
Campaigners want to transform the long-derelict building into a multi-use venue featuring a theatre, cinema and community space, as well as providing opportunities for schools, young people and local creative groups.
Parish council chairman Jason Parker said the restored venue could inspire young people by giving them access to performances and other activities within their own community.
The 1,280-seat venue was opened by local wine and spirits merchant George Beastall and began showing films on 1 January 1912.
At its peak, the building hosted a packed programme of theatre and cinema. It eventually closed in 1960 following a fire before being converted into a bingo hall in 1974.
Plans to demolish the building were submitted in 2020, but more than 600 objections were received from local residents. The campaign was also supported by the Theatres Trust and Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust.
Campaigner and parish councillor Kellie Judson said the restoration project has attracted support from actors David Bradley, known for Kes, and Nottingham-born Su Pollard, who appeared in Hi-de-Hi! and You Rang, M’Lord?.
The project is also backed by Somercotes-based stunt performers Elizabeth Donker Curtius and Mike Collin, who have worked on productions including Gladiator II, James Bond: No Time to Die and House of the Dragon.
Campaigners believe the venue could become a major community asset, helping to regenerate Somercotes High Street while providing new opportunities for local residents.
The group hopes to secure funding from organisations including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Architectural Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.
A fundraising campaign has also been launched to help get the restoration project underway.
Judson said the ambition was for the building to become a space for theatre, cinema, schools, community events and creativity, giving local people opportunities that may otherwise be difficult to access.
The campaigners say the project could help restore an important part of Somercotes’ history while creating a new community venue for future generations.
