STALYBRIDGE’S former cinema will be brought back to life as a food hall and entertainment establishment after planning permission was granted.
The Palace, on Market Street, has stood empty since the nightclub contained within the building closed.
But Monopoly Events, headed by Andy Kleek, has been given the go ahead by Tameside Council to turn it into a food hall, bar, restaurant and music/ entertainment establishment.
And planning officers were in no doubt about the benefits it can bring.
In a report, they state: “The proposal involves bringing back the beneficial use of an otherwise vacant building within Stalybridge town centre, providing opportunities to increase the leisure/recreation industry within the town centre and thereby introducing a number of environmental, social and economic aspirations to the borough.
“The application building is prominent in the street scene, having regard to its size, scale, detached form, and its corner plot on Market Street and Waterloo Road.
“In light of this, the building acts as a gateway/entrance to Stalybridge town centre.
“The proposals, to refurbish the existing building internally and externally, are sensitive to its original character, and thereby would play an important role in bringing the building back to life, whilst also revitalising the character and appearance of Stalybridge town centre as a whole.
“The proposed development would enhance the character and appearance of the town centre and would contribute to place making.”
A two-storey side extension, near the junction of Market Street and Waterloo Road, will be finished in glass and is described as ‘a statement piece of architecture that is welcomed in this exposed position.’
Documents supporting the proposal highlighted just how vital they believe it is for the structure, which was built in 1913 as the Empire Palace Picture Theatre.
Subsequently named the Palace Cinema, it operated until 2003 and was converted to Rififi nightclub the following year. That closed in 2012 but Khaleasi and The Platinum Lounge did operate from there.
They state: “The building is significant in the local context (i.e. to Stalybridge) for its historical interest as an example of an early purpose-built cinema designed in Neoclassical style, prominently located at the western gateway to the town centre.
“Its visual contribution to the conservation area is marred by the continuing deterioration resulting from its disuse, which if unchecked, ultimately places the building at risk.”
The ground floor plans would see four food outlets placed around the outside with a central seating area and small bars at each end.
An ‘outdoor garden area’ would also be placed next to the building, where one used to be when it was Rififi nightclub, but part of that will be taken up by a small extension to form an indoor seating area.
The first floor would change from its current layout, with bars at either end and a dance floor in the middle.
Under the new scheme, a void would occupy where the dancefloor is, with tables around it overlooking the ground floor.
A jazz stage would be placed roughly where the bar at the Waterloo Road end stands while the one at the Market Street side will sit on a mezzanine.
An outdoor terrace would also be installed on the side closest to the junction of the two roads.
And documents stated how the applicants believe approval would benefit Stalybridge.
They add: “The proposal will deliver the positive effect of arresting the long deterioration of the building and securing its future by putting it to a sustainable and active alternative use which will also generate significant benefits to the local economy.
“The design approach is influenced by art deco precedent, which is appropriate as this reflects the aesthetic of the golden age of cinema building in the middle years of the 20th century.
“The proposal will enhance the building and its contribution to the conservation area and is thus in accordance with both national guidance and the local development plan heritage policy.”
One comment and a formal objection raised concerns in relation to noise and its hours of operation, traffic/parking matters and anti-social behaviour.
And in the approval, opening hours are limited to 7am until 1am Sunday-Friday and 7am until 2am on Saturday.
Officers said: “Owing to the town centre location, the use of the building as a food hall, with a bar, restaurant and entertainment is not uncommon, and so the amenity of neighbouring residents should not be worsened as a result of the proposed development.”