Southend Ironworks could be in a new home by end of year

The Ironworks, founded by Ami and Natalie Solomons, was forced to move out of its base in Southend High Street in July after failing to raise enough cash to cover their rent and bills. 

The sisters have been working closely with Southend Council to find a new, affordable, location in the city and revealed a big announcement will be made in coming weeks. 

Success - The cast of the Ironworks Grease event (Image: Ami Solomons)

Several options are being considered before a deal is done to see the community hub return a permanent base. Southend Council and the Ironworks are both confident the community hub will be in a new space by the end of the year. 

Despite the closure, Ami and Natalie have been continuing their work in the community and put on a production of Grease on Friday with their Additional Needs Club in front of 100 people at Southend Baptist Church, on Clarence Road. 

Ami said: “We paused everything when we closed in the High Street, I couldn’t pause this for them, what is the point?

“It was amazing, we are still looking for a new home and the council are keen to get us in somewhere, but we do still keep going with events. I am very confident we can get into somewhere by the end of the year.

Full cast - The full cast of Grease (Image: Ami Solomons)

“We are working hard with the council and we have a few opportunities lined up for locations, we haven’t stopped looking for options with the council. 

“We are working with Southend Council in securing this alternative venue as soon as possible and hope to be bringing good news to Southend very soon.” 

Southend Labour councillor for culture, tourism and business, Matt Dent, said work behind the scenes has been constant since the closure. 

He said: “There are a couple of locations under discussion. I would hope they find somewhere before the year is out. 

“Time is of the essence, everyday they don’t have a location is a negative day generally but there is a process for these things and as well as getting them somewhere new it does need to be right.

“The council is committed to helping them find somewhere and to find the right home, the work is ongoing and it is not straightforward, it requires a lot of work.”