New heads have high hopes for Matlock Bath’s Grand Pavilion

Nick Whitehead and Lynn Allison have been named joint chairs of charitable company The Grand Pavilion Ltd after community stalwart Gregor Macgregor stepped down from the role.

The Pavilion is now a focus for activity in Matlock Bath after being bought from Derbyshire Dales District Council by the charity in 2013.

The Grand Pavilion Ltd hires the building’s rooms to bands, art groups, theatre groups and private individuals, raising money for restoration.

In the long-term, the charity hopes to restore the building to its former glory as a concert venue.

A large part of the building had stood empty since a nightclub closed in 2008 and was under threat of destruction.

Ms Allison said: “Work has already begun on our plans for 2016.

“We want to get the community – and indeed people from outside the area – to use the building more. We also intend to apply for more funding to achieve our ultimate aims.”

She added: “Both Nick and I are very pleased by the show of confidence of the Pavilion team in electing us as leaders. We’re very excited to press on to greater heights next year.”

Paying tribute to Mr Macgregor, Mr Whitehead said: “Gregor has been with us a long time and was the main driver to save the building from being sold by the council four years ago.

“In fact he’s been instrumental in many of our key milestones, from setting up the charity to leading the purchase of the building from the council in 2013.

“However, most of us have outside jobs and this means that people come and go as they have fewer or more commitments.”

Mr Macgregor said: “In Lynn and Nick the Pavilion is in capable hands and significantly stronger that it was when we first started.”

Over the last few years, scores of volunteers have helped transform the building into a usable space. Among other things, they have helped replace 40 broken windows, upgrade the stage and build new dressing rooms.