大象传媒

Richard Robinson has no experience of promoting live music, nor has he run a pub or music venue.

But he's taken the decision to invest around 拢25,000 of his own money in reviving the former Premier Pool Club, now to be known as QJam, and hopes that it will once again become an integral part of the Ipswich music scene.

The big question is why?

"For the challenge," Richard said. "I've noticed there isn't a good place for live music.

"There's pubs, which are good and have got their place, but I've been talking to people and they say there's nowhere in Ipswich which can be used as a nice venue.

QJam/Premier Pool Club

"A lot of bands seem to be bypassing Ipswich and I think the old Pool Club can be a good place to have these bands and attract music to Ipswich.

"I've taken the building on, in the mess that it is, revamping it, making it fresh and clean and giving it a whole new image."

Taking a tour of QJam in March 2009, six weeks before it was due to open, the main difference (apart from numerous holes in the wall and the occupation of pigeons) is the former snooker hall.

The largest of the two upstairs rooms has been cleared out and will now be the room for live music - with a newly installed bar.

"We're probably looking at 250 people capacity," said Richard. "I've got a nice stage going in, a dancefloor, disco lighting, an inhouse PA so bands don't have to bring anything - just their guitars and what they need, set up and play."

Richard has a full time job in IT but has been spending his evenings and weekends working on the building and making plans for how the venue will operate.

To begin with QJam will open three nights a week - Thursday to Saturday - and will host a mixture of cover bands and local acts.

The live music room at QJam

The second room, where bands used to play, will be a separate bar area with pool tables (just one to start with to meet the licensing laws inherited from its former owners) and eventually TVs relaying the live bands and games consoles to attract students at the nearby University Campus Suffolk.

"I want to try and support local bands," Richard said. "Especially with the new university there's a lot of people who want to get together and play music.

"I'd like to have tribute bands come in and be supported by local bands. It's more exposure for them and good for everyone.

"We've got 600 students coming to the new building out the front next year, but everyone likes listening to live bands so I'll be trying to get it to a wider audience as possible."

Richard's enthusiasm for the opening of QJam is hampered slightly by the fact that the venue is already marked for demolition.

"It will be demolished in three to five years' time. But the new building going on this site will be student accommodation with the bottom floor a bar, which I'd love to take on.

"I've got a minimum of three years - could be five."

The main room will be available for promoters or bands wanting to host their own night, with Richard estimating a figure of around 拢200 for the hire.

"I've seen a gap in the market and I want to fill it.

"If I break even, I'll be happy with that. As long as I can pay the staff wages and keep music in Ipswich going, getting it on the map, I'll be happy.

"Come and see me if you want to play - let's get you on."