This derelict building used to be the hub of Cheltenhams music and arts scene. The Axiom Centre, in Winchcombe street, was the place to go to see new bands, unusual art exhibitions and share a drink with friends while chilling out in relaxed surroundings.Unfortunately the centre shut in 2000 after the Council were worried by the way it was being run and the loss of money it was suffering. After several failed attempts to revive the place it closed for good in 2002. The Borough Council has since sold the building for over £500,000 and have promised to use the money towards the Art Gallery and Museum redevelopment. I don't know how many years the Axiom was used for before its demise but I spent several 'entertaining' nights there. Once listening to a friends first gig. Sadly his band was one of the worst that night, but that was the joy of the Axiom - you never knew what you'd get! I also watched another friends rather bizarre play in the upstairs theatre area. But the best times were spent on warm evenings sitting outside on the benches chatting with the lively mix of people that were drawn to the Axiom.
I think Cheltenham is worse off for the loss of the Axiom. There really isn't the same kind of venue in town for up and coming creative minds to express themselves.
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13 comments:
Oh! i really Hope That the Axiom would open again! I'm sure it will not just be for the artists, but also for the people that enjoys appreciating other people's works! Nice Photo and Descriptions^^
Steven
Sounds like it was a fun place. Hope they get something great in there soon!
Alas the kind of story all too often repeated across the UK
Doesn't it bug you when perfectly good venues are closed and left to rack and ruin. We need live venues. Same everywhere you go. Really annoys me.
This happens everywhere apparently...and for what? another empty store or a coffee shop that we don't need.....too bad for Cheltenham.
That's sad that you don't have Axiom anymore. It sounds like a really cool place. That same type of thing is happening here too and we've lost a lot of great places in New York. It's a real shame. Hopefully they can start something new at that location.
That bottom picture especially is really atmospheric - I bet it was a great venue in its heyday.
I used to work there behind the bar nearly 10 years ago. Really sad to see it empty all this time. It is a listed building snd so the council are waiting for it to become condemned before they tear it down and turn in into yet more luxury flats. So sad. That place had so much spirit and atmosphere. I think the council should be ashamed that they never re-opened it to the arts and music community. Such a loss :-(
A sad loss indeed. Cheltenham Borough Council's innate conservativeness has left the town with little other than mainstream middle-England entertainment and art. The theatres do little that is radical or alternative, a stultifying Town Hall music programme is crammed with tribute and 60's revival bands and the much heralded 'Centaur' at the racecourse plays very safe, with Jools Holland and Status Quo. Its as if the town burgers exhaust their imagination on the festivals, (which are really excellent in themselves, but leave little room for the regular events needed.) When Shaftesbury Hall closed we lost the only venue in the area that put on excellent fringe theatre, and that gap has never been filled. For anything more exciting or radical we have to go to Gloucester's Guildhall, Uley's Prema, Ciren's Sundial or Tewkesbury's Roses. We need the Axiom back - but how?
I had some excellent times at the axiom (especially in the back room where the live bands played).
Even met my missus there (together 12 years now).
There's a group on Facebook called "Axiom Centre for the Arts- Oh how I miss it!" which has over 150 members which goes to show there were plenty of others who also loved it.
My friend mentioned that the (Axiom) forecourt was being cleared..don't get your hopes up though, rumour is it's becoming a restaurant.
I used to love The Axiom in the late 70s early 80s - such a cool place! Cheltenham has lost a lot to chrome wine bars and shopping malls . . . !
I'm so sad to think that this building might be demolished. Cheltenham needs a place like this, where creative people can express themselves.
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