EMOTIONAL supporters of a “versatile” Southend city centre venue are celebrating the survival of “an amazing and welcoming space”, following a last-minute reprieve.
The Ironworks, on the High Street, is a centre offering space for community organisations, charities, musicians and artists.
It faced the imminent threat of closure just days ago, but a last-minute boost from financial backers means the Ironworks can continue to welcome hundreds of residents for the next couple of months.
Mandy O’Connor, Labour councillor for Victoria ward, recalls feeling emotional at hearing the news.
She said: “I cried when I found out. I know a lot of residents will be absolutely thrilled to bits.
“I’ve always seen the Ironworks as a beacon for the community on the High Street. A lot of residents in my ward use it an awful lot.
“Everybody’s got to do everything they possibly can to keep it open.”
Rob McAvoy, co-chairman at Project Southchurch, said: “The Ironworks provides so much for the community. It’s usable for all sorts of organisations and it’s such an important central point for the city.”
Events organiser Ross Sambridge, 44, from Prittlewell, said: “This place would be perfect for holding sci-fi conventions for those who can’t get into London. Southend is becoming a big media hub now anyway, with the two film festivals. The world is their oyster. They can put Southend city even further on the map.”
Artist and musician Saida Bee, 45, from Westcliff, said: “This is a really amazing space.
“I run workshops here for children. My 10-year-old son, Joshua, is autistic, so he enjoys coming to this fun and welcoming space. It’s inclusive and very versatile.”
Sonny Green, from Southend House Removals, was instrumental in creating the Ironworks’ new tiered membership scheme.
He said: “I thought, ‘if a subscription model can work for places like PureGym, it can work for the Ironworks. Natalie, Ami, and I have worked on offering a membership scheme, so supporters of the Ironworks can help keep it open.
“Without venues like this and places for people to meet in the High Street, there is no High Street.”
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