Refurbishment: Alterations and refurbishment of the interior and external facade
The National was originally built as a cinema in 1914 by Edward A Stone. It was later used as a ballroom, a club, a rock venue and even hosted a short-lived music television programme live broadcast in the 1980s. With its distinctive dome it was the largest cinema in Europe when constructed and one of very few surviving examples nationally. It was listed Grade II in February 1991.
Today the building operates as a HelpCentre opening its doors to a weekly average of 1230 people that attend a variety of services provided free of charge to anyone regardless of race, sex or religion. Amongst them are one to one and family advice sessions, 4 daily subject focused prayer meetings, business advice seminars, singles and couples’ gatherings, wedding ceremonies, and outreach events. The building also plays host to the below community groups comprised of volunteers:
The total cost came up to some £1 million
