The team behind a project to transform a historic Wakefield city centre landmark in to a concert and events venue are on the brink of achieving their £4.5m target.
Arts Council chiefs are tomorrow (Jan 18) expected to reveal if the Unity Hall Co-operative’s bid for £500,000 of funding has been successful.
The co-operative, which is being backed by Netherton rockers The Cribs, has already raised £4m since April 2011.
If granted, The Arts Council cash would be the final piece in the funding jigsaw ahead of a year-long construction project set to start this summer to transform the Smyth Street venue.
Unity Hall was built in the late 1800s and became a rock venue in the 1980s.
But it has been out of use for the past decade.
If redeveloped, Unity Hall would have a capacity of about 800 and would also feature a function room, office and exhibition space, a cafe and shops.
Chris Hill, chairman of the board of Unity Hall, said: “The Arts Council have said they will make decision by January 18. The project is certain to happen. Whether we will have to cut back on the building programme and whether we can raise more share money depends on the Arts Council result.”
The co-operative’s successful funding applications to date include £1.2m of European cash; £1.4m from the Governments Growing Places Fund and £150,000 from the Architectural Heritage Fund.
Wakefield Council has pledged to grant £500,000 to help the project get underway.
And The co-operative behind the project hopes to increase the £65,000 investment from shareholders to £100,000.
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