The Beehive ballroom, a popular North-East meeting place in the 1950s and 1960s, could soon be busy again. Liz Lamb reports

IT has been many years since the Beehive ballroom was last filled with music and laughter. The vast auditorium, where live orchestras would play on the stage as revellers jived on the dancefloor below, has remained virtually unchanged since its heyday.

Walking into the ballroom, situated on the Lingfield industrial estate, in Darlington, is like taking a step back in the time. Beneath the cobwebs and dust, the 1930s decor remains intact and the stage still has the original lights and electrical equipment that was used to put on balls and productions decades before.

It was feared by many that the building, a treasure of County Durham's social and architectural history, would eventually be knocked down.

But, thanks to the vision of Darlington businessman David Cox, it may once again witness the jovial scenes for which it was originally intended.

Mr Cox, who owns a car components business, is a keen music lover and set up a makeshift recording studio at his home in Darlington's West End after hearing of the difficulties local performers had in finding rehearsal space and recording facilities.

It was here that the idea to find a larger venue, that would not only provide equipment and space for musicians but also become a live entertainment venue, to be used by everyone, was born.

He hopes it will provide a stepping stone for artists who want to make it big in performing arts.

There are plans to invite representatives from the UK's record companies, and film and theatre casting directors, to come there to see the region's talent.

"The whole idea has come from my passion for music," he said. "I want to give creative people opportunities, but also to offer the public a chance to see emerging artists perform."

Deciding on a suitable venue was a major concern for Mr Cox and his wife, Valerie, but after walking into the Beehive ballroom, they knew it was the perfect place to fulfil their dream.

The venue is the former social club for Patons & Baldwins, a wool manufacturer that used to employ about 1,400 people. It was used as a staff canteen during the day and was turned into a ballroom and dance venue by night.

"I think it is a marvellous idea to revive it," said Gerry Simpson, who has worked at the site for 25 years. "When brass bands used the ballroom, the sound was spine-tingling. The acoustics are amazing here. It is brilliant that it is going to be used for what it was intended."

Mr Cox has devised a business plan in order to pay for the venue and facilities. Revenue will be drawn from membership subscriptions and proceeds from the bar and bistro, and door sales.

"It is not about profit," he said, "but it does need to pay for itself."

For the artists who will be using the facility, it is just what they have been waiting for.

Opera singer Charlotte Broadbent, 14, summed up their feelings.

She said: "There is nothing else quite like this place. To have people who are willing to help performers like me is amazing. Everyone is very excited."

Anyone wanting to know more about the plans can contact David Cox or Jennifer Laycock, on (01325) 264790