CAMPAIGNERS intent on saving Sidmouth’s seafront Drill Hall are progresssing their hopes of buying the building - and want to re-open it next summer. They have this week revealed the latest vision of how the first stage of a revamp – that would see the building up and running again - might look.

Sidmouth Herald: New proposals for the Drill Hall drawn up by Alex VickNew proposals for the Drill Hall drawn up by Alex Vick (Image: Archant)

The residents are putting together bids to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds – and say they can only do it with the help of the town.

Matt Booth, who is leading the project, told the Herald the search is on to find investors for a Community Interest Company (CIC).

“The main thing we need is for people to get behind the vision and invest whatever they can in the CIC so that we can buy the freehold and begin to regenerate the building,” he added.

“The CIC will ensure that all money is kept within Sidmouth for current and future generations. The Big Lottery have said they would make funding available for capital build funds if we can find the investment to match it.”

Matt said that FolkWeek bosses are on board and are keen to have the building open by July 2014 so it can be used as part of next year’s festival.

Designs have been drawn up by Sidmothian Alex Vick, 22, who is employed by a leading firm of architectural designers in London.

It is hoped the hall could be regenerated in two phases with a longer-term vision realised within five years.

East Devon District Council owns the building and opened the door to discussions over its future in March when it shelved demolition proposals in light of the public interest shown.

A spokesman said the authority was looking forward to seeing residents’ proposals.

Contact Matt at matt@templestreet.net or visit www.sidmouthdrillhall.com.