THE FORMER ABC cinema in Coventry could be transformed into a new live music venue.
A consultation is underway by Coventry City Council planners, who are considering plans to change the use of the old cinema from retail to entertainment.
The council has agreed a three-year lease for the ABC cinema to Phil Rooney, manager of gig venue the Empire.
Mr Rooney’s intention is to move the Empire from its current venue in Far Gosford Street, to the city centre location in Hertford Place.
If proposals are passed, the Empire would double its audience capacity to 1800.
Mr Rooney said: “Our lease on the Gosford Street building was coming to an end but we were desperate to keep live music in Coventry and build on all the hard work we’ve put in since 2015.
“I had some memories of the cinema in Hertford Street and when my son told me that the sports shop had closed I immediately began talking to Coventry City Council about the potential for the site.
“With the support of the Council and City of Culture 2021, we have built a significant investment that will bring jobs to the city and create a first-class entertainment venue to rival anything in the UK.”
Proposals for the new Empire would see the interior of the cinema, which opened in 1973, redeveloped to create a 1145 sq metre events space with two stages.
Outside, a balcony area would provide an extra area for gig-goers, with a lounge and a bar added on the ground floor.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, which has shut all entertainment venues in the country, the council has said it hopes Mr Rooney can open the new Empire in Coventry’s City of Culture year of 2021.
Martin Sutherland, Chief Executive of Coventry City of Culture Trust said: “We’re delighted to see The Empire move to new, bigger, premises in advance of a very busy 2021 when we seek to throw a spotlight on Coventry’s live music scene.
“Our investment in organisation and audience development activities will help this iconic Coventry venue reach increased audiences from across the city and help it make the most of Coventry’s year in the spotlight.”
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for regeneration, said, “It feels a bit odd to be announcing news like this now, when we are all facing the challenge of doing our bit to limit the spread of coronavirus. But, if you believe that we will get back to normal and I certainly hope and believe that we will – we all need to be ready for that too.
“We are working hard to support local businesses with practical help now. But we are also ensuring we can support business aspirations for the future too. Existing and new businesses will be important contributors to a successful local economy as we emerge out of this still fast changing situation.
“Phil has certainly got a challenge on his hands. We started on this long journey before we’d even heard of coronavirus. But if anyone can deliver this I believe he can. I hope even in these dark days people feel this is something to look forward to.”
Mr Rooney added, “We have always believed Coventry deserves a music venue to rival other big cities, that is why Empire was born. Yes, we are in strange and unprecedented times right now, but I believe this fantastic new bigger space will, in the future, help attract more great bands to our city, and will allow us to open the diary to other types of entertainment and community events.”
The council’s planning consultation closes on April 23.
