October Update
Novello News: October 2024
The Latest Updates on Our Campaign to Save the Picturehouse Theatre
Dear Supporters
Thank you to everyone who came along to our last community meeting on 18 September and took the opportunity to have a look round the Novello Picturehouse. Over 120 people turned up to tour the theatre and hear the latest campaign news with lots of insightful questions and constructive comments from the attendees.
We’re also grateful to those who have contacted us since the night with generous donations towards the appeal as well as suggestions and background information for the campaign – as an example, please see below for a brilliant new initiative from local artist, Hilary Mear. As we said on the night, this is a community effort and all comments and contributions are most welcome.
If you weren’t able to join us, here are the key takeaways to keep you up to speed with the appeal.
Funding Update
Peter provided an optimistic update on the appeal targets and progress to date.
The original estimate for the purchase of the theatre and structural repairs is over £750,000 and the purchase and renovation has, very generously, been conditionally pledged by a local charitable institution.
This would mean the building would be owned and maintained by the charitable institution and it would be rented back to the appeal group at a very low annual rent for exclusive use as a theatre and community asset.
As you can understand, this is a significant sum of money to put forward and, in line with charity commission guidance, the charity in question is conducting the necessary due diligence on the processes and operations that underpin the donation before it can be completely finalised. This is a business and legal process which can take some time but when all parties are confident that the background work is complete, we will be able to reveal their name and we can all publicly thank the charity in question. When we are in a position to share all, we will!
Beyond the purchase and repairs of the building, our campaign appeal group will be responsible for refitting the theatre and creating a viable community hub that can be used by all. The initial target to create to get the theatre up and running is an additional £500,000 and to date, the appeal has received a tremendous £203,000 and has an additional £47,000 in firm pledges. This leaves a first round fundraising target of at least £250,000 which we are now looking to raise from the community and the parish councils. If you want to speak to us about fundraising, please drop us an email at contact@savenph.org.
Picturehouse Theatre designs
Alan shared the initial designs for the theatre which we will upload onto the campaign website. The aesthetic aim is to bring back some of the 1920s glamour and heritage from the original design and structurally, to ensure the Picturehouse can operate as a credible 180 seater theatre and flexible community space, in collaboration with the Cordes Hall. To that end, we are liaising with theatre groups - local and from the professional circuit - to gather input into the design.
If all goes to plan, we are hoping to bring the theatre back to life and back to community use by mid to late 2026.
Cordes Hall and Novello Joint Working
As a reminder, the Cordes Hall Trustees and operational committee are working hand-in-hand with the Novello appeal group and we are jointly committed to running the venues in partnership so we can maximise the various spaces on offer between the two buildings and provide the best possible service to the community.
Together, we have been conducting fundraising activities and we were delighted to raise around £850 from the outdoor cinema a couple of weekends ago. Thanks to all who wrapped up against the cold and enjoyed the magic of Paul King’s Wonka and a special thanks to the volunteers who set up and manned the bar.
Thank you
Thanks again for your ongoing interest in the campaign and the support you continue to provide. Having such visible and vocal support from local people and institutions really goes a long way to reassuring us that the Picturehouse is still very much wanted and that we can convert this hidden gem into something truly magical for Ascot, Sunninghill and Sunningdale.
Alan Everett and The Campaign Team
www.savenph.org
contact@savenph.org