6:30am Saturday 28th February 2009
By James Rush
Former Undertones singer Feargal Sharkey and Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe caught glimpses of some of Bradford’s musical talent at the official opening of a new recording studio.
The man who sang pop-punk classic Teenage Kicks was with Mr Sutcliffe at the opening of Factory Street Studios, in Dudley Hill, Bradford, yesterday.
Husband and wife Alex and Amy Eden created the studio in part of a former textile factory with help from Bradford support agencies Kickstart and Business Link Yorkshire.
Mr Sharkey, now chief executive of UK Music, an umbrella organisation for the UK’s commercial music industry, said music was an important part of the UK’s economy.
He said: “It’s rooms and places like this that are vitally important to give local musicians that opportunity to come to a facility like this and start something.
“I have no doubt Factory Street will prove a hugely positive addition to cultural life in Bradford and all its surrounding areas.”
Kickstart and Business Link Yorkshire helped the Edens secure loans from the Business Enterprise Fund and Partnership Investment to cover the bulk of the estimated £120,000 conversion cost.
The studios, complete with seven rehearsal rooms, recording studio, piece room, café hub and mentoring programme, will be open seven days a week from 4pm to 10pm for bands.
For more information visit factorystreet.co.uk.
e-mail: james.rush @telegraphandargus.co.uk
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