Historic theatres, cinemas and other public assembly spaces have long been a focus for public gathering, entertainment and education. These buildings have answered the need for a feeling of belonging, of community, with proud and emotional attachment often shared in family history and storytelling. Their history embeds them into their community. 

Community engagement, via supporters’ groups, is vital to spark discussion about the potential reuses of these buildings, but let’s not overlook the value that the local business community can add too. More footfall means more business. 

Whether restored as theatres, cinemas, arts centres, co-working or other community spaces, creative repurposing means we can still enjoy these elaborate and lovingly-crafted buildings and celebrate the long-lost skills of the (often local) craftspeople who built them. 

Business Improvement Districts (BIDS) can help not only to amplify the voices in favour of such creative repurposing, they can also add a vital economic credibility to - what may be perceived as - the more emotional cries of the public campaigners. 

Halifax's Piece Hall, Swansea's Palace Theatre and Walthamstow's EMD Cinema are just three areas to benefit from a forward-thinking, heritage-focused approach. We can revive distinctiveness and value in our social hubs by opening our eyes to the “sleeping beauties” in our midst. 

Gary Donaldson is Placemaking London's Business Manager and a theatre consultant