Latest news with #culturalspace
BBC News
4 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Charity praises plans to repair and reopen Redhill theatre
The UK's national advisory body for theatres has welcomed a council's commitment to repair and reopen a Surrey venue which was shut after unstable concrete was Harlequin Theatre in Redhill closed its doors in September 2023 after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) was found throughout the and Banstead Borough Council has said it expects the theatre to reopen in late spring 2027 if everything goes to Trust, a charitable organisation, described the arts centre as an "invaluable cultural space". The Surrey venue was at one stage listed among the most likely theatres in the country to close, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Earlier in June, the council's executive committee agreed a way forward that would involve a £4.5m repair job. Joshua McTaggart, Theatres Trust CEO, said: "We welcome the council's commitment to safely reopening the Harlequin Theatre and cinema while minimising the time the local community is left without this invaluable cultural space."We are also pleased to see progress being made on plans to create an additional art and culture venue in the area, which can only add to the vibrancy and appeal of the town."The agreed work will allow the theatre and cinema to open at its previous capacity, pending final full council sign off in plans, which would have run alongside repair work, have been put on hold, as the council considers handing over control to a private group.
The Sun
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
New London cultural destination to open in the city with Vegas-like dome attraction
A NEW cultural destination is coming to London with a giant Vegas-like dome. The Holborn Dome will be home to office spaces, a cultural space and a 300-person auditorium in central London. 4 Located next to Chancery Lane tube station, the new venue will replace the surrounding offices and shops and bring them into one larger building. The centre and a number of retail shops will be located on the ground floor. And as part of the project, there will be a main auditorium with a double-height domed ceiling. Whilst The Holborn Dome aims to commemorate the earlier Knights Templar Church, which was demolished at the site a long time ago - plans reveal a similar dome-like structure to that of the Vegas Sphere. The round cultural space will be similar to the round churches that the Templars used to build. And the design of the dome is inspired by the former Knights Templar Church - which once stood in nearly the same spot as where the new dome will sit. The auditorium will be used for exhibitions and provide an immersive experience. When the site eventually opens, there will also be parts of the walls from the original church revealed and put on display where possible. There will be a remodelled pocket park at the rear of the building too, and upgraded public routes around the entire site. Facilities such as the water fountain and toilets will also be upgraded. One of the world's deepest bars to open in London Once completed, there will also be a number of exhibition spaces across the 10-storey-tall destination. According to MyLondon, deputy Tom Sleigh, chair of the planning and transportation committee, said: "This is exactly the kind of scheme we want to see more of in the Square Mile - best-in-class office space that keeps London globally competitive, while also delivering public spaces that everyone can enjoy. "Supporting the primary business function of the City through meeting this huge level of demand for office space is critical. "But I'm particularly pleased by the retention of sections of the Knights Templar, a brilliant way to connect the new venue with the history of the site." 4 Of course, The Holborn Dome will not be anywhere near the same size as the Vegas Sphere. The US attraction towers 112metres into the sky and stretches 157metres wide. And whilst the both the interior and exterior of The Holborn Dome won't be a colossal screen, inside it will offer an immersive visitor experience. The world's deepest bar is also set to open in London as part of huge new £120million attraction. Plus, a first-of-its-kind Titanic attraction is coming to England this summer, and is expected to make guests feel like they're on the ship. 4
The Sun
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Unique pub closes after just two years as devastated owner says they are shutting venue with ‘heavy hearts'
AN AWARD-WINNING pub has been forced to close after opening its doors just two years ago. The luxury eatery was voted as the best pub in the Midlands and even were finalists for the best Desi grill of the year 2024. 2 2 The Emerald in Nottingham offered a huge range of Indian dishes and had become a thriving community hub. The pub doubled as a sports bar, attracting both hungry diners and football fans - in what the owners have described as a 'cultural space' and a 'labour of love'. However, after being open for just two years, The Emerald has been forced to shut its doors for good. The eatery has battled with soaring costs, as well as crushing internal pressures. Announcing its closure on Facebook, The Emerald issued a lengthy and emotional post in which it thanked its loyal fan base. A spokesperson for the pub said: 'The Emerald was always more than just a pub—it was an Indian pub, a cultural space, and a labour of love that aimed to bring something different to our community. 'We will forever hold dear the memories, the celebrations, and the friendships that were forged within its walls. 'Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your unwavering support. It has meant everything to us.' Fans flooded the comment section of the post, sharing their incredible stories and experiences from their trips to the pub. One Facebook user wrote: 'Very saddned to hear this and we always loved Emerald, it was more like home for us and will be missed. Why are so many pubs and bars closing? 'Thank you for all the lovely food and memories we have created at Emerald specially watching cricket and more importantly India winning the world cup. 'All the very best team Emerald for future!!' Another shared: 'Such sad news always made me and my family very welcome thank you for what you have tried to do.' However, in its Facebook post, The Emerald detailed internal pressures which had contributed to its closure - which is scheduled to take place on May 31. A spokesperson for the pub detailed how the departure of a business partner had created 'emotional, financial and operational" strain which affected the 'day-to-day running of the pub'. What is happening to the hospitality industry? By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out. Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation. Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches. Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs. Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon. Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans. The spokesperson also pointed to soaring costs as a major factor behind the closure of the pub. They wrote: 'Rising costs—including a significant increase in barrel prices, rent, and business rates—have placed a substantial financial burden on us, ultimately making the business unsustainable. 'Although we explored the possibility of selling the business to enable someone else to carry on what we began, we were unable to move forward due to conditions and restrictions that were beyond our control. 'More broadly, the current economic climate and policy environment have created immense pressures for small businesses, making it increasingly difficult for independent establishments like ours to survive.' Many other businesses have faced closure, just like The Emerald. Some businesses have laid the blame at the door of Rachel Reeves - arguing that her decision to increase National Insurance contributions and minimum wage have raised the cost of running a business. However, The Chancellor has argued that her decisions were necessary to stabilise the economy that she inherited from the Conservatives. In April 2025, the economy grew by 0.5% though Labour have said that they want to go even further with boosting economic growth. Other businesses, including the luxury restaurant La Goccia, have blamed 'Covid' and 'Brexit' for leading to their closure. The business told the Telegraph that they were unable to 'recruit people with the right experience and skills' after Britain left the EU.
