A GROUP of Ulverstonians who banded together to purchase an iconic town cinema, museum and gym have been ‘blown away’ by the generosity of the public.

Earlier this month, The Roxy Collective was formed to purchase the Roxy building and maintain the businesses which are already there: The iconic Roxy Cinema, world-renowned Laurel and Hardy Museum, the U-Gym Ulverston and 808010 Productions. 

Formed by local residents, The Roxy Collective is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC). The group has set out a three-phase plan; to purchase the building, to renovate it and collaborate with people in developing its community initiatives.

The project has the full cooperation of the current owners, Mr and Mrs Armer.

Read more here.

When the building is secured, work will start to restore it, opening up more spaces for the community and making it fully accessible for everyone.

Ulverston Town Council granted The Roxy Collective the sum of £50,000 towards the project, which is just over a quarter of the asking price.

The Roxy Collective launched a fundraising page to appeal for community support for the project.

In the days since the fundraising page went live, more than £12k has been raised towards the cause, which is 60 per cent of the £20,000 target reached in just the first week of the campaign.

Suzanne Garnett, chair of The Roxy Collective, said: “We have been blown away by the generosity of the people of Ulverston and those associated with the town.

“To have reached this milestone so early into the four-week campaign is testament to the love that locals have for this historic building, and the support for all the plans we have to realise its full potential as a community asset.

“We are so very grateful and have been humbled to read the many wonderful comments people have left for us in support of the project.”

The Crowdfunder campaign is due to run until Monday May 2. To make a donation, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/future-of-the-roxy