1st March 2024 our local community hears of the sad news that The Ocean Rooms is to close. A building of significant cultural and historic importance. 

The 'Rooms' has entertained generations of people and families over its life time and if no one new is sourced to take this amazing facility on, it would be a real shame for the area to see it unused. 

I propose a three month petition period, taking us up to 1st May 2024, giving people an opportunity to share their views in a respectful manner, and with a focus on aiming to outline the communities hopes and wishes for the building should new ownership not be found. 

After the 1st May, I'd like the opportunity to bring a small working group of stakeholders from local community,  arts and culture fields to the table and sit with the council, to look at the findings of the petition and discuss what tangible opportunities may be available for the building with a focus on it use being  the arts, culture, community and charity.

We have seen in practice what community interest companies, social enterprise and charities can do to keep buildings and space alive and at the centre of their communities. Should the need arise, I'm sure our community would stand up.