What We Do
Landmark building to become a music and cultural venue
Union Street Conservation Area
The Gaumont Palace is a landmark building within the Union Street Conservation Area. Built as a theatre and music hall in 1931 to the designs of W. H. Watkins, associated with the design of some of the finest cinemas in the UK, this substantial building seated 2,300 people. After various changes of use through the second half of the 20th century, the building finally closed in 2004. After over 15 years of vacancy and neglect the building was jointly purchased by Nudge Community Builders, a Community Benefit Society, and a partner commercial investor, Eat Work Art.
Nudge was established in 2017. They have since taken ownership and opened two further buildings on Union Street in one of the most deprived wards in England, which also struggles with anti-social behavior and other social issues. Nudge’s mission is to promote lasting change in surprising and enterprising ways, building a strong local community and economy. After analysing all the empty buildings, Nudge identified the Gaumont as a priority in terms of deliverability and having the most potential to kick-start change for local businesses along the street. The project connects to wider strategic investment in the surrounding area.
Having acquired the Gaumont Palace, AHF support through a Project Development Grant has enabled Nudge to employ a Community Support Manager to facilitate meanwhile uses in the building, together with business planning and technical investigation of the structure. Nudge’s vision is to create an outstanding music and cultural venue for the city. The group is currently working toward launching a Community Share Issue for the building.
Image Credits
Nudge Community Builders
AHF Funding
Project Development Grant - £39,500 (2020)
