The iconic south Manchester building where the Bee Gees first performed could be kept alive after a lifeline was given regarding its future.
Earlier this week, it was reported that the Chorlton Community Land Trust’s (CLT) bid to try and stop the former Gaumont Cinema building from being demolished was rejected.
The building, which is owned by The Co-Op, was where the Bee Gees brothers first band The Rattlesnakes made their live debut in 1957.
The Co-Op has now offered the CLT more time to deliver its proposal for a community-based redevelopment of the building.
In November, the CLT launched their Stayin’ Alive campaign in a bid to stop the building from being turned into housing and were able to raise £2.2m.
The campaign outlined plans to convert the building into a market-style food hall including performance space for live music and cinema screenings.
However, CLT said their bid was rejected ‘principally due to price’.
But now, The Co-Op has accepted the bid on the condition that the final proposal delivers on the key community elements it states.
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The Co-Op will work alongside the CLT to develop the proposal but will also go ahead with alternative development plans for the property.
“We are delighted with this outcome," said Steve Goslyn, Chair of the CLT.
"We look forward to working with the Co-op and the Chorlton community to bring together a wide range of entrepreneurial and creative talents to fully realise our vision for the old Gaumont Cinema to be transformed as the heart of our community.”
The building was first opened as The Picture House in 1920, before being re-named the Savoy Cinema in 1921.
It was renamed the Gaumont in 1946, and it's during this time that children were invited children to mime to records during intervals.
The Gibb brothers performed at the building in 1957, but the cinema closed in 1962.
Since then, The Co-Op have owned the building and converted it into a funeral home.
A spokesman for The Co-op said: "Throughout this process, we've looked to ensure an outcome which would benefit the community and a solution for the site which is deliverable and sustainable.
“The Co-op is a different kind of business with community and sustainability at our core and, contrary to some reports, the sale of our Funeralcare building was never just about achieving the best financial value for our members.
“We are pleased, therefore, to announce a way forward with Chorlton CLT, that we hope will ensure the use of the site in the future that will benefit the local community."
