The Gregson Community & Arts Centre

The 3R Foundation recently awarded £1,000 to The Gregson Centre towards the replacement of carpets in the Secret Cinema and stair area.

The Gregson is a community led charity and the oldest community hub in Lancaster. Built in 1889 to “serve the needs of the people”, it continues that mission today by enabling local residents to shape their own community events and cultural experiences. Following the pandemic, the centre underwent a community led “take back”, transforming its operating model. The result has been a thriving hub that hosted 3,331 events last year, supported by more than 140 volunteers.

The Gregson provides space for hundreds of local charities, arts groups and grassroots organisations, helping civic life in Lancaster to flourish. One of its most unique spaces is the Secret Cinema, a 25 seat non commercial cinema room with vintage cinema seating. The cinema is used by a number of community led film clubs, including silent film, French cinema and Sci-Fi nights. It is also popular for private screenings and children’s parties, helping generate income to support the charity’s wider work. Last year the cinema was used 484 times.

The carpet in the cinema dated from 1999 and needed replacing. Volunteers recently redecorated the room in an art deco style, installing new curtains and repairing the vintage seats. The new carpet, which includes safety edging on the steps, completes the renovation and marks the first finished room in a wider programme of improvements to the historic building.

If you know of a local charity, club or community group looking for funding for a project or equipment, the 3R Foundation may be able to help.

Apply easily online: