Today we’re launching a fundraising appeal to raise £10,000 to kick start essential stabilisation works before Winter.
Burnley Empire Trust needs to raise £10,000 by September to help stabilise the building before the end of the year or risk facing further deterioration of the iconic town centre gem.
Due to the Covid-19 crisis all potential funding streams for essential stabilisation works are no longer available to apply for. The £10,000 that we hope to raise through #Crowdfunder will be used to kick start the essential enabling works including asbestos removal on the ground floor of the auditorium and repairing parts of the roof; specifically targeting the most vulnerable areas of the Grade II Listed building to stop further water ingress.
'When you see the actual building itself, you can’t help but be moved by the possibilities about how it could be a place for future generations to enjoy a multitude of uses.'
Unfortunately we’re facing the unexpected effects to grant funding and are now looking towards the public for support. The stabilisation of the building is paramount for continuing this project as the building urgently needs making watertight before the end of the year. The removal of asbestos is key to creating public access and carrying out the roof repairs to prevent any further deterioration. In 2018 we bought the building because we knew it was the right thing to do for the future of the town and strongly believe that by restoring this large venue it will support local businesses, the people and bring prosperity to Burnley, but at the moment, the #BurnleyEmpire needs you and your support to kick start that work. For anyone who can support us, you’ll be directly helping the future of the Burnley Empire. Our campaign video features #Lancashire born Supporter #WayneHemingway MBE from HemingwayDesign, who says “I’ve been supporting the Burnley Empire and the people to rescue it for a number of years. When Sophie Gibson first approached me about this, I saw a new generation looking at a magnificent old building that my generation and other generations have allowed to get into this state. Burnley needs this, all towns do, and that’s the reason why I got involved. Some of the greatest things that have been done in urban design are when you take a brilliant building with the soul of the history that runs through it and then you repurpose it, add modern interventions and you do new things inside. When you see the actual building itself, you can’t help but be moved by the possibilities about how it could be a place for future generations to enjoy a multitude of uses”. Due to the vandalism last year that resulted in asbestos being scattered across the auditorium it has been an ongoing battle for BET to move past this sticking point. In recent weeks the Trust have successfully been able to fund containing the loose asbestos but now need to move quickly before winter approaches.