A


The Clitheroe


aClyoubI festive [ listings I


rp dvertiser and 1 imes Thursday, December 22nd, 2005 ; No. 6^^^^ news and views from the.Centre of the Kingdom 1 I;: www.cIitheroetoday.co.uk ’ Price 60p


Wraps off £4m. Grand _______ by Julie Magee_______


PHASE one of the £4m. redevel­ opment project of Clitheroe’s The Grand is on target to meet its


March completion date. The former cinema in York Street


is being developed into a state-of-the- art youth arts centre by its owners, The Lancaster Foundation, and if everything goes to plan, the whole development should be complete by autunrn 2007. Commenting on the momentous


undertaking, which has been in the planning for the past five years, man­ ager Steve Bell said: “I t’s been in the pipeline for such a long time purely because of the fact it is such a massive project.” He added: “Once it’s up and run­


ning it will prove a real community resource.” The first phase of the project has


included ripping out the whole interi­ or of the old cinema and constructing a steel structure to be inserted at ground floor level to support the roof and walls. Part of the Grade II listed budding’s Albion Street side elevation has also been demolished. The fun plans, for which permission was secured earlier this year, will see


the building’s basement completely rejuvenated after being left under­ utilised for years acting as a dormant nuclear bunker and storage facility. This space will house The Kenneth


MacMillan recording studio using the very latest equipment, a rehearsal room, control room, space for storage, toilet facilities and first aid room. Meanwhile, at ground flopr level,


the old cinema will house a whole new auditorium with stage, as well as a raised area incorporating a cyber cafe and coffee bar. Mr Bell further explained: “Two


new staircases will be built with glass roots in order to allow light to flood into the building. A lift will also be installed, which will allow equipment to be moved with ease, aid wheelchair users and those with prams.” The rear of the property will be


extended to provide space for one of these new staircases, toilet facilities, as well as the stage and performance area. Mr Bell added: “We are investing


move, clearing the way for the front of the building to be extended. A new entrance will be built in this


area with the old entrance being replaced with a large window, through which, the spacious new reception area will be visible. The property next to The Grand,'which is also owned by The Lancaster Foun­ dation, will be transformed into offices to service the centre. A new pavement will be laid down


Albion Street and at the front of the building, which will be handed over to the county council for maintenance once the project is complete. Mr Bell explained that the venue,


which will be fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act, will act as a non-profit making organisa­ tion. “I t will never operate as a night­


club or pub,” Mr Bell reassured. Local architects, Ashworth Burke


heavily in the sound proofing of the venue as The Grand is situated in the middle of a residential area.” As those who read last week’s Clitheroe Advertiser and Times will already know, the controversial sculp­ ture outside The Grand is on the


Associates have designed the new development, while Longridge con­ struction company Carefoots has been employed to carry out the work during the first phase of develop­ ment.


I continued on page 3 i r ^


MORE than 100 special children will have a Christmas to remember - thanks to the generosity of readers of the Clitheroe Advertiser and Times. The response to this year’s


Thanks a million for your help! • Full story, turn to


Salvation Army Toy Appeal has been amazing. Gifts of all shapes and sizes have flooded in to our office and to the Sal­ vation Army’s Lowergate premises.


page 3. Pictured are Capt. Eliz­


abeth Smith and Lt Bren­ da Wise with toys collect­ ed for the appeal. (B141205/3)


WIN! WIN! WIN! TICKETS TO SEE ROBBjE WILLIAMS - SEE PAGE 38 ROBERT BUNNY MESWEAR


Starts Bank Holiday - Tuesday 27th December at 9am __________Fantastic genuine reductions in the sale you have come to know__________


THE SQUARE, GRASSiNGTON, NEAR SKIPTON


Pure Cashmere Overcoats from £195 and Jackets from £150 Good selection


WINTER SALE S A L E S P E C I A L


Tel: 01756 752576


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