Efforts to save a ‘hidden gem’ music venue in central Durham have stepped up after the city’s MP has backed calls to save the facility following fears over its future.
Rocking Horse Rehearsal Rooms, on Frankland Lane, is regarded as one of the city’s vital entertainment assets – with numerous bands calling the place home since it opened in 2011.
During the last 11 years, the owner of the venue, Richard Combstock, says that the space, which boasts five soundproofed rehearsal rooms and a recording studio, is used by new bands, big brass bands, and voice-over artists.
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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.
It also provides a venue for local original bands to host small-scale gigs, including recording two Live at Rocking Horse vinyl albums.
However, earlier this year, the venue’s landlords, Harrison Commercial Properties, announced that it would be developing the site, which would involve demolishing the existing units to build four new units.
Speaking previously to The Northern Echo, Mr Combstock said: “The business has grown to be well established and profitable, but more importantly a vital hub for Durham’s music community.
“The closure of our facility would represent a huge loss to the city’s cultural infrastructure.
“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.”
Currently, there is a live petition that has been set up by Rocking Horse Rehearsal Rooms that has over 3000 signatures from bands, musicians and concerned members of the public.
The case for saving the music venue has also been strengthened recently when City of Durham MP, Mary Kelly Foy, threw her support behind the petition after visiting the music facility.
Ms Foy said: “This amazing studio and rehearsal space is under threat from redevelopment into industrial units but is in the ideal place to be the centrepiece of a new cultural quarter in Durham.
“This hidden gem sits along the river, next door to Crook Hall and Gardens, and has played host to a huge number of bands and artists in Durham.
“We must celebrate and protect our cultural assets in the city, and I'll be doing what I can to save Rocking Horse.”
She then went on to joke that she “might even pop back and record my debut album”.
To sign the petition click here.
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