Point in Time are trying to raise funding and interest in the unique and historic Redditch needle factory, which is at risk of imminent demolition and still contains original equipment.
Proposals involve saving the buildings through conservation and repair work, and creating a working museum and arts and heritage centre in the heart of the town.
Point in Time (CIC) writes:
The famous Abel Morrall needle factory is scheduled for demolition: Monday 14 July 2014. Point-in-Time (CIC) is in a three day race against time to rescue the building from the bulldozers; planned to coincide with the temporary closure of Redditch’s railway line. Failure to secure funds will further erode Redditch’s heritage and deny the County an important community showcase initiative ‘Point in Time’ has a unique but once in a life time opportunity to save a significant needle making factory site and equipment that has been trapped in a factory largely undisturbed for over thirty years.
‘Point-in-Time’ wants to dust down the cobwebs and convert the site into a working museum, preserving techniques and traditions originating from the ancient craft guilds. This initiative would create a legacy, capture traditions and skills in danger of being lost and promote a Centre of Craft Excellence – capturing knowledge and traditions to encourage skill transfer, innovation and creativity. This will provide a catalyst for promoting social cohesion, embracing diversity, reuniting old and new. The site is located alongside the railway station, in the heart of Redditch – a designated new town built on over 300 years of needle making traditions.
Sharon Burton Fletcher, spokesperson for Point-in-Time commented: ‘We have a plan to transform the site into an Arts, Crafts & Heritage Centre for Learning and Leisure that would become the envy of the County and would sit at the heart of Redditch’s creative community. Our appeal is urgent. We have only days to act before the bulldozers move in. Once that happens there is no return and this exciting opportunity, to make a positive contribution to both the local and wider community will be lost – forever.’
‘Point-in-Time’ has received indicative support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) as well as an initial start-up grant. The intention is to fund the restoration project with lottery funding. Unfortunately the wheels of funding move slower than the wheels of bulldozers and without an immediate intervention during this time critical period, will lead to a terminal outcome.
‘Point-in-Time’ needs to demonstrate it can raise £1 million by the end of this week in order to safeguard this important site. If you can help or support in any way please contact Sharon Burton Fletcher on 07889478631; ‘Point-in-Time’ is happy to receive tangible financial support, pledges and promises of support or simply ideas that will move the restoration project to the next stage of the Point-in-Time journey.
View the press release and information on the proposals at Point-In-Time
