Historic Ulverston building to receive major improvements in £500k grant
The Roxy Collective will use the money to help develop the town
One of Ulverston's most well-known buildings is to undergo "major improvements" after £500,000 was granted to the building's owners.
The grant was given to the Roxy Collective in Ulverston as part of a major Town Investment Plan, which is being overseen by Ulverston Town Council and Westmorland and Furness Council.
As part of the grant, several improvements to the structure of the building will be made, as well as the usage of rooms within the building itself.
According to Westmorland and Furness Council, the work will include bringing the building up to modern standard, increasing footfall to the area.
As well as this, a Visitor Information Point will be set up, as well as helping to develop more environmentally-friendly way of running the building, including solar panels and a rainwater capture system.
The Roxy Building first opened in 1937 as a cinema, which has continued to remain open to this day.
As well as this, the building is also home to the Laurel and Hardy Museum, a gym and Redrock Productions.
Speaking on the grant being greenlit, Suzy Garnett from the Roxy Collective, said: "We are incredibly grateful to the Borderlands Committee and the Ulverston Town Team for their support, which allows us to continue the much-needed development work on our beloved Roxy.
"The Roxy has been a cornerstone of our community for generations, and this investment ensures that it remains a vibrant space for arts, culture, and connection for years to come.
"As always, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the community for its unwavering support: your passion and dedication are what keep the Roxy alive."
The grant was also approved as part of the Borderlands Partnership Board, which provides support to five towns in Cumbria - Dalton in Furness; Egremont; Penrith; Ulverston and Wigton.
Some £50 million has been committed to the area by Westminster and Hollyrood through the Board's programme, which looks to boost economic growth across the region and recognise small businesses.
Councillor Virginia Taylor from Westmorland and Furness Council said: "This grant funding is great news for the Roxy Collective, Ulverston as a whole and the wider area.
"Great credit should go to the Roxy Collective – their tenacity and vision is securing a future for a fabulous building, a working cinema, a museum and more, all supporting the economic and cultural vibrancy of Ulverston; and thanks as well to the members of Ulverston Town Team for supporting this Borderlands bid.
"Westmorland and Furness Council hasn’t forgotten Ulverston’s ambitious vision for a Cultural Quarter around the Roxy and the neighbouring Coro. Plans for the Coro are taking shape and I am committed to work with partners on this.
"There is a national backdrop of cuts in funding for cultural services and financial pressures on councils but the council has committed funding for the Coro – so I hope that the Coro can look forward to working together with the Roxy jointly to promote the arts, culture as well as community togetherness."