Putting On The Ritz

On 26th March 2013 fire ripped through Cash Converters on York Road in Kings Heath, destroying a building that, in its heyday as the Ritz Ballroom, played host to the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, the Who, and many other world famous bands.

For over eighteen months the burnt out shell has stood neglected, nothing but charred and twisted remains, now partially hidden by colourful murals telling the history of the building. But out of the ashes a phoenix is finally beginning to rise. Plans are underway to turn the historical site into a community arts centre, celebrating and commemorating Kings Heath’s illustrious music history, as well as providing a venue to nurture the stars of the future.

Bob Prew is one of the chief figures in pushing the project forward. “Everybody who became anything in the 1960s played here, on this little back street in Kings Heath,” he says. “It would be great to be able to mark its significance. But it’s also important to look to the future. As well as a museum of pop history, we also want to include a performance space for music, comedy and theatre. A place to show films. Perhaps even rehearsal and recording facilities. It will take a lot of money and hard work, but I genuinely believe this project has the potential to draw people to the area in the same way that the Cavern Club draws people to Liverpool.”

The development is still very much in the initial stages. A project committee has been set up and is appealing to the community for support, particularly from people with a background in fund raising, marketing and the arts. Over five hundred local residents have already agreed to pledge £10 a year to support the scheme.

To offer your time, money or expertise, contact Bob Prew through Kings Heath Walk of Fame.

Published in My Moseley and Kings Heath, December 2014.