The Ritz in Ilkeston has officially been listed as an Asset of Community Value by Erewash Borough Council, giving fresh momentum to the campaign to bring the landmark building back into use.
The decision follows a nomination submitted earlier this year as part of efforts by The New Ritz Collective to secure a long-term future for the former entertainment venue.
The Collective described the listing as a significant milestone in its plans to transform The Ritz into a multipurpose destination for live entertainment, community events, markets, workshops and celebrations.
It believes reopening the building could also encourage more people to visit Ilkeston town centre and support nearby cafés, pubs, restaurants and independent businesses.
What does the listing mean?
Asset of Community Value status formally recognises that a building or piece of land has provided – and could continue to provide – social, cultural, recreational or sporting benefits to its local community.
The listing does not transfer ownership of The Ritz, prevent it from being sold or guarantee that a community organisation will be able to purchase it.
However, if the owner proposes a qualifying sale, the council must be notified.
Eligible community organisations then have six weeks to express an interest. If one does, this can trigger a six-month moratorium, calculated from the date on which the owner notified the council, giving the organisation time to develop and fund a possible bid.
The owner is not required to accept a community bid and can ultimately decide who buys the property.
Assets accepted by Erewash Borough Council remain on its list for five years, although a property owner can request a review of the decision.
“An important moment for Ilkeston”
Imogen Connelly, director of The New Ritz Collective, said:
“This is such an important moment, not just for our group, but for Ilkeston.
“Like so many people in Ilkeston, we’ve walked past The Ritz for years and saw such an iconic building sitting empty, with no obvious future and so much potential. That’s why we’re trying to do something about it.
“This decision gives us even more confidence to keep working towards a future where The Ritz is once again a place that Ilkeston can be proud of.
“We believe our town deserves somewhere like this, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to help make that happen.”
Since it was formed, The New Ritz Collective has been working with residents, partner organisations and other stakeholders to explore options for the building’s future.
The group thanked everyone who had supported the campaign and described the council’s decision as a “positive step forward”.
Considerable work would still be needed to develop a viable plan, secure funding and acquire the building before the Collective’s vision could become a reality. However, the ACV listing provides additional protection against an immediate qualifying sale and gives the campaign further momentum.
