Traders wanted! DIY SOS-style project launched to help Northampton charity makeover new building

Pictured front left to right: Boss Janan Fifield and landlord Rakesh Thakarar. Pictures by Kirsty Edmonds.

The Performing Room, which has been based in Overstone Road since 2009, lost their former home in September last year after the building lease expired and will now be made into flats.

The Mounts-based building was purpose-designed to inspire the next generation of musicians who wanted to build on their confidence, make new friends and find an alternative to mainstream education.

New town centre home found for 'music family' in Northampton after landlord step...

Living Edge Carpentry has started work on the ground floor of the building and they are now making headway on a creating a new stage.

Although building works have started on the ground floor, charity boss Janan Fifield has got a big task ahead of him as he has four more floors to revamp with more than 30 rooms.

Boss Janan said: "Please help us re-create our bespoke activity-based work-space and preserve our very important social learning outlet and support network.

"We need help to convert unused space located in Northampton's Cultural Quarter into a modern-day music, art skills, and wellbeing center.

"This will expand upon the number of music and recreational activities made available to local people as a way to meet, make friends, build upon interests, develop key skills and improve wellbeing."

Performing Room are calling out to traders to help them get their new building into working order to allow for their teaching to continue as quickly as possible.

It is hoped that renovation works on the ground floor will be completed this month ready to accommodate schools and disability groups, which the centre works with, but help is desperately needed to complete the rest of the project.

Builders, plasters, plumbers, carpenters, decorators, lift operators and volunteers, who can give their time for free, are needed now more than ever to get the project off the ground to help more than 40 local services start accessing the service again.

The empty rooms will be turned into music and multimedia studios, workstations and performance areas.

While public areas, including corridors, exits, staircases, kitchens, and toilets will need to be made secure.

Some of the rooms in the building are in desperate need of love and transformation so children and members can begin to use them.

Previously more than 60 people a day accessed projects at The Performing Room, which include musical activities, IT, photography, production and radio broadcasting – just to name a few.

If you're in a trade, or simply want to offer your time to volunteer, then please get in touch with Janan at [email protected] to lend a hand, or you can donate by clicking here.