A CAMPAIGN has been launched to raise £150,000 to fund a new community and live performance hub in the former Farmfoods building in the Kingfisher Centre.
‘The Cave’ will be aimed at supporting cultural provision in Redditch and further afield by providing a permanent professional performance, recording and rehearsal space.
Those behind the venue have partnered with the Kingfisher Shopping Centre and the venue will be accessible for all live performances in the arts and a diverse range of community and arts groups.
A crowdfunding page has been launched for people to donate.
Cultural boost
The group explained there had been a number of closures of arts and music venues across the borough over the past few years and it was hoped The Cave would change all that.
“The Cave will revitalise Redditch’s disadvantaged town centre, offering multi-purpose, affordable spaces for cultural engagement and upskilling and supporting the wider arts community and local business economy with new footfall.
“Building on the growing impact of many Palace Drum Clinic’s events and projects, this will provide unique services and facilities and make a long-term impact on Midlands cultural provision.”
Coun Juliet Barker-Smith, who is on the steering group and backing the plans, said it was a fantastic opportunity to grow the town culturally and change all the misconceptions and perceptions of Redditch to a positive view.
“Redditch is a brilliant destination, but what we very much need is a performance space that contributes to the evening economy of the town.
“I firmly believe that The Cave, as well as being a hub of learning and community opportunity, could be that. I can’t wait to be able to tell people ‘who is playing live at The Cave this week’.”
Planned events
Among the many events planned for the venue will be music nights and monthly clubs, such as jazz, blues and the spoken word.
There will be three recording studios within the venue to attract many musicians and artists back into the area. There are also plans for comedy nights, race nights, gaming festivals and for groups to meet there in the daytime, such as mum and baby get-togethers and regular events to combat loneliness and offer mental health support.
A steering group has been set up and an open event to showcase what The Cave will offer is planned for September 6.
And, as well as the crowdfunding page, a number of fundraisers are planned, including a Halloween event with the band Lazy 50.
It comes just weeks after Tenpin Redditch opened in that section of the Kingfisher Centre, in the former B&M Bargains and Wilko units. That boasts 22 bowling lanes, three escape rooms, a 4D
laser tag arena, karaoke rooms, AR interactive darts and pool tables.
And Vue cinema is also nearby.
Visit: crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-cave-community-hub-and-live-performance-area for more information on The Cave and to donate to the cause.
Go to: facebook.com/TheCaveRedditch for the latest updates.
