Why Choose Us
About Project Gaumont
Since 2017 local advocate Andrew Knutt, Somerset Arts Business Cultural Alliance (SABCA) and Creative Innovation Centre CIC (CICCIC) have been working hard to reclaim Gaumont Palace as an arts and cultural venue, and in 2026 Project Gaumont became part of Gaumont Palace Community Trust.
Gaumont Palace Community Trust Limited was setup in 2024 and is a Community Benefit Society (Registration number: 9342). With professional local people on its board, each are working towards a solution for running the venue and bringing much needed economic growth to Taunton town centre.
As a Community Benefit Society you can buy shares as a way to support Project Gaumont, and help save and influence the future of Gaumont Palace.
WHY CHOOSE US
Creating a Solution for
Project Gaumont
To be an iconic and inspiring destination where the UK’s greatest events and experiences unfold. To be the place everyone is talking about and be the catalyst for great arts and culture worthy of Somerset’s county town.
We will provide and manage this multi-purpose cultural venue, resources, business, volunteers, and know-how to help deliver projects and events, which inspire, engage and involve local residents and visitors and celebrates our creative community, arts, culture and heritage.
To work with outstanding artists to create an innovative programme that crosses art forms, collaborating with organisations from around the globe to give audiences opportunities to experience outstanding work by acclaimed UK and international companies and artists. Using local talent to support these arts and culture activities.
Why Choose Us
Our History
Since 1932 Gaumont Palace in Corporation Street has always been a place for entertainment, film and culture and was the civic pride of Taunton. In the 1980’s it was taken over by The Rank Group and become a bingo hall and has been one ever since.
In 2009 a local man, Jim Laflin, and his volunteers campaigned to reclaim the ‘Mecca Bingo Hall’ for the community. Though great strides were made, and the local council agreed to support it, the reclaiming never happened because the company who owned the building at the time did not want to sell. Now the county council own the building, which was purchased in 2019.
In 2014, Andrew Knutt contacted the Laflin family to assist and continue the campaign, but the sad news that Jim Laflin had passed away meant that there was no one to continue and Jim’s work had been lost. Andrew took it upon himself to restart the reclaiming of Gaumont Palace and through his professional business connections formailised ‘Project Gaumont’ in 2017.
In 2024 the Gaumont Palace Community Trust was created, and Project Gaumont became the official name of the campaign. Today, we continue with work behind the scenes as a committee working with many people and organisations.
Our Team Member
Discover our trusted team & Experts
Testimonials
What people say about Reclaiming Gaumont
Todd Hirsch
To help us bring great acts and entertainment to Taunton plus provide a central point for all community activity I support the Reclaim the Mecca Bingo campaign
Shane B
Being in a prime spot, with grand features, this building is currently being misused. Imagine a county town with a venue for real events and concerts
Peter Corson
This isn't going to attract the really big names who need arenas to perform in, but it will deliver the next best thing.