The Stage
The Savoy Cinema in Hackney is derelict, but will undergo renovation with the new funding.

New funding for the arts…

Planners are one step closer to completing the transformation of the east London cinema. This comes after they secured £1.9 million worth of funding.

Investment firms are behind the funding.  Arts Impact Fund, Triodos Bank and Big Issue Invest’s contributions will  generate new cultural opportunities for local people.

“Springboard for the next generation…”

A live music venue in Shoreditch is behind the renovation.

Auro Foxcroft, of the venue Village Underground, said “All three investors are passionate about the social impact of the Hackney Arts Centre [HAC] and have been creative and bold in getting us this far.”

Planners hope the HAC will be a springboard for the next generation of creative talent, enabling local artists and musicians to reach a larger audience.

The HAC will also home Community Music, a charity offering industry experience to young people.

James Salmon, investment director at Big Issue Invest, said, “We see a real positive role that financially self-sustaining, socially-minded arts organisations can play in this respect.”

The cinema was originally built in 1936 and closed during the 1970s. Hackney council backed renovation of the site last July.

Tune in to City News at 3:30pm for the full report…