HACKNEY EMPIRE AND THE OCEAN

Early day motion 404, tabled 6 March 2001 by Brian Sedgemore (Labour). Signed by 20 members.

That this House expresses its delight that Hackney is now taking its rightful place as the major centre for the arts in East London; congratulates the Hackney Empire, which is renowned for its variety, comedy, opera and Shakespeare performances, on reaching its appeal fund target of ú15 million to enable it to provide facilities fit for the 21st century; expresses its delight that just across the road from the Empire, the Ocean, which will provide stunning facilities for concertgoers and music makers of all kinds, is shortly to be opened by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport; and believes that these major regeneration projects will complement the fact that Hackney has more artists per square metre than any other place in the world.

Signatures by party: Labour 19, Conservative 1.