Save The Ironworks

The Cabinet member for Arts, Culture, Heritage, and Leisure, Southend City Council Cllr Derek Jarvis

As you may already know, The IronWorks Southend faces an imminent threat of closure due to financial challenges.
Current funding from UK Government – SELEP which Southend-on-Sea City Council secured as part of the regeneration of the High Street - expires on February 9th 2024, and without additional support, we will be forced to give notice to our landlord in the coming 2 weeks.

Over the past year- and it has only been a year, The Ironworks has successfully embedded itself within the community and become an integral and celebrated part of Southend's cultural regeneration.

Accomplishments include:

• Welcoming over 108,514 individuals since our doors opened.

• Providing space for 44 charities and local service providers.

• Hosting over 80 to date of weekly additional needs clubs, welcoming over 1,000 visits from members.

• Offering free arts and crafts for children, with over 300 kids participating each week.

• Hosting numerous private and music events, involving over 1,000 musicians.

• Showcasing numerous artists and supporting local traders.

• Employing 20 individuals and engaging 10 regular weekly volunteers, many with additional needs.
The Ironworks community space is not just a place for events and activities; it is a safe, accessible space that enriches the lives of the Southend community.
To continue their mission and secure their future, The Ironworks urgently need financial support to cover essential costs:
• £65,000 plus VAT for rent
• £22,000 for Business Rates
• £30,000 for core operating costs
With SCC help, we aim to bridge this one-year gap and position ourselves to apply for larger funding opportunities to develop the other floors in the building- which will be the linch-pin to making this project truly sustainable, such as The National Lottery, The Arts Council, and local corporate sponsorships which we are already potentially in line for.
To keep The Ironworks afloat for another year, we are seeking £120,000 in sponsorship.
We have launched a crowdfunding campaign to reach our goal, and you can find more information here

Although we have has MASSIVE support from the community, our go fund me is not enough.  We urgently need the council to support The Ironworks get by, whilst we wait for the funds to come through.

Together, we can help secure the future of The Ironworks Community Venue and maintain its status as a thriving, creative, and inclusive space for all.  We NEED the Ironworks to continue

Thank you for your support,

Petition by
Gravatar
S D meek
Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom

To: The Cabinet member for Arts, Culture, Heritage, and Leisure, Southend City Council Cllr Derek Jarvis
From: [Your Name]

Dear Cllr Derek Jarvis,

We, the undersigned residents, supporters, and community members of Southend, write to you today with an urgent and heartfelt plea to save The IronWorks Southend, a vital and beloved community venue that has become an integral part of our town's cultural regeneration.

The IronWorks Southend, in its relatively short existence, has accomplished remarkable feats, enriching the lives of countless individuals and providing a safe, inclusive, and creative space for the community to thrive. We have seen firsthand the positive impact it has had on our town, from hosting events and supporting local charities to providing a hub for local service providers and welcoming individuals with additional needs.

As you are aware, the current funding from the UK Government's SELEP, secured by the Southend-on-Sea City Council as part of the High Street regeneration, is set to expire on February 9th, 2024. Without additional support, The IronWorks is at risk of closure, which would be a significant loss to our community and the cultural vibrancy of Southend.

We implore you to consider the following key points as we request your support in saving The IronWorks:

Community Impact: The IronWorks Southend has welcomed over 108,514 individuals since its doors opened. It has become a central hub for various community activities, clubs, and events, making it a cornerstone of Southend's cultural revival.

Inclusivity: The venue has hosted 80 weekly additional needs clubs, welcoming over 1,000 visits from members. It offers free arts and crafts for children, involving over 150 kids each week, further emphasizing its inclusive and welcoming nature.
Economic and Cultural Contribution: The IronWorks has not only showcased local artists and supported local traders but has also employed 20 individuals and engaged 10 regular weekly volunteers, many of whom have additional needs. It plays a role in local employment and skill development.

Future Sustainability: With the Southend-on-Sea City Council's help, The IronWorks aims to bridge the one-year funding gap and position itself to apply for larger funding opportunities. This includes seeking support from The National Lottery, The Arts Council, and local corporate sponsorships, which are already in potential consideration.

The IronWorks Southend urgently requires £120,000 in sponsorship to stay afloat for another year. A crowdfunding campaign has been initiated to help reach this goal, and we encourage you to support it by sharing the campaign with your network and contributing if possible (https://gofund.me/a1292fe8).

We understand the challenges the council faces in allocating resources, but we firmly believe that The IronWorks is an invaluable asset to Southend's community and cultural landscape. We urgently request your support to ensure its continuity.

By extending your support, we can collectively secure the future of The IronWorks Community Venue and maintain its status as a thriving, creative, and inclusive space for all residents and visitors of Southend.

We thank you for your time and consideration of this petition and urge you to take action to preserve The IronWorks Southend.

Sincerely,

[Your Name and Signature]