A Richmond venue will reopen next month as a live music and community hub.
The former Comrades Club, in Newbiggin, will offer live music every Friday and Saturday night, as well as regular open mic and singaround nights.
The venue, to be known as the New Comrades, will operate as a cafe bar during the day.
Once the downstairs is up and running, it is planned to offer studio space upstairs for musicians, photographers, dance groups and other community organisations.
Plans for a youth club and regular bingo night are also being discussed.
The building has been leased and is being redecorated by four local friends, Tom Thorne, Dan Chitty, Vicki Warren and Maria Smith.
Tom said they got the keys to the building eight weeks ago and have been working hard ever since ahead of the reopening, with all the work being done by the friends.
“The feedback we’ve received so far has been really positive — everyone is really excited about it, as are we.
“Richmond has such a strong undercurrent of music and currently there’s no dedicated space for that.
“Even before the pandemic the music scene in the pubs was dwindling so everybody is buzzing for what the new venue.”
An official opening night is planned for October 15, with local group the Soul Messengers booked to play.
It is hoped the venue can open before that date however for people to have a look around.
For more information or to make a booking at the New Comrades email
