A Warwickshire law firm has helped a £3.2 million entertainment venue get the final approval it needs to rock and roll.
The Assembly in Spencer Street, Leamington Spa has undergone a major transformation, with celebrity interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen turning the former Gala Bingo site into a 1,000 capacity entertainments hall.
The Grade II listed building will open its doors for the first time on Saturday, June 21 after Wright Hassall secured a premises licence to allow events to run until 12.00am.
The licensing department at the 200-strong firm has also arranged a restaurant licence for a 1950s American style diner ‘Docker’s’
It is one of the largest indoor entertainment venues that Andrew Potts, licensing partner at Wright Hassall, has had granted in Warwickshire.
Andrew said: “I have done many entertainments licenses in my time, ranging from nightclubs such as Snobs in Birmingham to large one-off concerts at places such as the Villa Park. This is probably the largest venue locally and certainly the most stunning.
“The site has fantastic features including original stained glass windows, and so it was nice to see a lease holder enhance the original beauty rather than ignore it.
“This venue will be Warwickshire’
Nigel Dalley, who took out a 100-year lease on the property, said that the excitement surrounding the venue was growing and hopes the venue can be used for multiple purposes.
He said: “The venue has attracted a lot of attention nationally. A lot of bands have contacted us about performing when we open. It’s been fantastic.
“We are going to get lots of great acts here without a shadow of a doubt, but we want it to be for everybody.
“We will hire it out to people – it could be for anything from work parties to tea dances to an Indian wedding venue. Most of the big agents have been in touch too and it could be used for music videos. We also want to get a lot of showcases before festivals.”
The opening event at The Assembly will be a charity evening in memory of local drummer Paul Brooks on Saturday, June 21st. Tickets are available from the Star and Garter, The Cricketers Arms, Head Music Store and Dr Um.
PICTURE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
Media enquiries:
Dan Donovan
Advent Communications
2 Edison Building
Electric Wharf
Sandy Lane
Coventry CV1 4JA
Tel: 024 7663 3636
http://www.advent-
