Published: 05/05/2010 08:37 - Updated: 05/05/2010 10:05

NEW life could be breathed in to an historic town nightspot, if plans to revive Ashbournes former Market Place cinema are given the go-ahead.

Owner of the Elite Building, Mike Gallimore (pictured), has drawn up a vision for his currently redundant former cinema above the outdoor shop near to the Town Hall and plans are being submitted for a major makeover.

Funding has yet to be obtained to convert the top half of the building, which was purpose-built as a cinema and theatre hall in 1931, but it is hoped it could become an important new facility for the town.

The renovations and improvements, which will cost tens of thousands of pounds, could see the large hall brought back into regular use for community events, weddings and even theatre and shows.

Money will be spent on upgrading sound-proofing, building on a kitchen, and creating disabled access into the hall — which has been used in the past by a string of nightclub companies.

After its last leaseholder ran into financial difficulties during the development of a would-be nightclub called “Air” the room has been left in a state of semi dereliction and now Mr Gallimore wants to see it brought back to its former glory.

He said: “I want to see it finally brought back into use and I want to see it enjoyed. At the moment there’s nothing like this for people in the town and I want somewhere people living here and stopping here can make use of and enjoy.

“In this day and age it won’t work as well as just a disco venue but it’s too big to let it go to waste so it needs to be a community facility that everyone can make use of.

“I love these old buildings in Ashbourne and this one is of particular importance so I hope we can find the funding to bring it back into use. More than anything I just want to see the building succeed.” Mr Gallimore, who bought the entire building in 1981 when it was a Mecca Bingo hall, first used the building to set up an indoor market but now leases parts of it out to local businesses.

Once plans are submitted to the Derbyshire Dales District Council he will hope funding becomes available through the currently dormant redundant buildings grant - and then a leaseholder will be sought to move the project forward.