The new café bar at Tamworth Assembly Rooms has been dedicated to the memory of a borough councillor in a lasting tribute of the major part he played in the £5million project to refurbish the historic theatre.

The first customers have been welcomed through the doors of the new Claymore Lounge, which has been named after Steve Claymore, who died after a short illness in February 2019, at the age of 62.

Steve was the borough council’s cabinet member for heritage and growth at the time, a remit which had seen him championing the local economy for almost a decade.

This included the significant £6.2million project to create the new Enterprise Quarter in the Corporation Street area of the town, encompassing the creation of Tamworth Enterprise Centre and the redevelopment of Tamworth Assembly Rooms.

Steve was instrumental in the scheme to preserve the 130-year-old theatre for future generations and staff involved in the project wanted his legacy to live on.

Anica Goodwin, Tamworth Borough Council’s Deputy Chief Executive, said:

“The idea for the name of the Claymore Lounge came from members of staff who felt it would be a fitting honour for Steve, who was instrumental in the refurbishment of the theatre.

“Steve was passionate about the project and was fully invested in all aspects of it. He shared his knowledge in terms of design and materials and was on site a lot in the early days. Dedicating the café bar to his memory is a lovely tribute to the part he played in preserving this historic building for future generations of Tamworth.”

As well as the Enterprise Quarter project, Steve was a key driver of growth, development and investment in Tamworth for more than a decade, and also represented the town’s interests on a regional scale.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Daniel Cook, said:

“Steve was the finest and most dedicated councillor I have ever witnessed serve our community and the wider West Midlands. He was the driving force behind our local economy for a decade and while the town is a lesser place with him gone, it’s a much better place for having had him serve in the first place.

“The suggestion to dedicate the café bar area of the Assembly Rooms to Steve came from the venue’s staff, which is a great show of respect and a lovely lasting tribute.”

Steve’s wife, Rosey Claymore, said:

“The whole family and I are truly grateful for this tribute to Steve. I know he would have been very humbled by this gesture. I was really touched when I was told about the wishes of the staff to remember Steve in such a thoughtful way. This is truly a lasting legacy to Steve and all that Tamworth meant to him.

“My thanks go to everyone who has been involved in the amazing refurbishment of the Assembly Rooms and making his vision possible.”

The Claymore Lounge is currently open for soft and alcoholic drinks, tea, Starbucks coffee, cakes and sweets during performances at Tamworth Assembly Rooms. From Monday, January 27, it will also open to the general public daily from 10.30am to 2.30pm, Monday to Saturday, offering cakes, paninis and sandwiches, with an increasing lunch-time menu being developed over the coming months.