The old Acton Library building could be transformed into a cultural hub for the community that will include a cinema and also space for theatre and live music.

In October, Ealing Council’s cabinet approved the leasing of the building to the local community group Acton Arts Project for 24 years.

The Acton Arts Project intends to transform the former library building into a vibrant, community-led arts centre and cultural hub to provide a range of facilities, including a two-screen cinema, a café bar, offices, and space for dance, music and theatre. This is subject to planning permission being received for the plan.

Maire Lowe, who chairs the Acton Arts Project, said: “Our vision is to improve residents’ lives and strengthen community spirit in Acton by providing an inspirational, creative space where people can come together to watch or participate in the performing arts.

“We also wish to reclaim and preserve the beautiful, historic former Acton Library building for community use to contribute to the much-needed regeneration of Acton Town centre and the area’s night-time economy.”

The group is leading a crowdfunding campaign to fund the planning and redesign of the building. To donate a pledge, you can visit A Cinema for Acton by their target date of Monday, 16 December 2019.

Lucy Taylor, the council’s director of regeneration and planning, said: “We are working to create town centres and high streets in Ealing that contribute to the borough’s economic, social and civic life, and are focal points for our communities.

“We want Ealing to be an even better place to live, visit and work and we believe the Acton Arts Project proposal for the former Acton Library building would bring some exciting new uses to help revive Acton’s High Street and would contribute to the cultural and economic development of the area.”

Find out more about town centres and regeneration at http://www.ealing.gov.uk/towncentreregeneration