THE OWNER of a recording and rehearsal space for musicians which is under threat of being torn down said the loss of the business will have a greatly detrimental impact on the local area.

Rocking Horse Rehearsal Rooms owner Richard Combstock, said his business, based at Blagdon Depot, in Durham, is used by new bands, big brass bands, and voice-over artists.

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He said: “We have known for some months that our landlord, Harrison Commercial Properties, is planning to develop the site, which would involve demolishing the existing units to build four new units.

“Our unit is about 5m by 38m, so it is very long and we have five soundproofed rehearsal rooms and a recording studio within it. The proposed new units are much smaller, so not really suitable for us, as well as being far more expensive to rent.

“We opened the studios in February 2011, at this point the building was rundown, with no electrical fittings or plumbing.

“We then proceeded to repair, refit, plumb, rewire, secure and soundproof the entire building internally and externally at a cost of tens of thousands of pounds - my life savings - and with no government funding, to create a professional standard rehearsal and recording facility.

“The business has grown to be well established and profitable, but more importantly a vital hub for Durham’s music community.”

Mr Combstock said the rooms are used by 30 to 40 bands per week using the rehearsal space; it has recorded more than 300 artists in its studio; mentored four young aspiring sound engineers who have progressed into the professional domain; provided PA, instruments, equipment and sound engineering services across Durham city; and hosted Durham University’s full brass band to record albums.

Rocking Horse Rehearsal Rooms also clocked up eight years of working with Rhythm Dynamics, providing drum lessons for more than 50 pupils from age six upwards; provided audio services and voiceover recordings for television and radio; hosted several regular running music nights showcasing local bands at Durham venues including Fish tank and Empty Shop; created videos of local musicians, from live sessions up to music videos, as well as producing our own youtube channel including our Gluefactory sessions series.

It provides a venue for local original bands to host small scale gigs, including recording two Live at Rocking Horse vinyl albums.

Mr Combstock added: "The closure of our facility would represent a huge loss to the city’s cultural infrastructure, especially as the County Durham is currently in the process of bidding for UK City of Culture.

“It is going to be tough for us to move, because of the finances, and because we built this place ourselves. It would be very time-consuming and expensive to start again. But if we have to, we will.

“I have been in talks with the local councillors and had some sympathetic ears. I have some meetings with planning officers this week too.”

He added: “To lose this facility will be such a shame for Durham. The music scene here is not currently thriving and we have lost venues which allowed up and coming bands to play original material. We are one of the last places they can go.

"We’ve started our campaign with a petition to build up some popular support for or cause."

To sign the petition click here

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