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 helping to turn the former Gala Bingo hall into a 1,000 capacity entertainments centre.
The Grade II listed building opened its doors last weekend after Wright Hassall secured a premises licence to allow events to run until midnight.
The licensing department at the 200-strong firm has also arranged a restaurant licence for a 1950s American-style diner, Docker’s, that will operate independently to the music venue.
It is one of the largest indoor entertainment venues that Andrew Potts, licensing partner at Wright Hassall, has had granted in Warwickshire.
Mr Potts 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’s premier music venue and should attract artists of national and international standing. Its unique design will endear it to the local community and should provide it with admirers from across the country.”
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.”
