Cinema appeal for council cash (From Northwich Guardian)

Plaza cinema appeal for council cash

8:30am Thursday 13th October 2011 in News By Gina Bebbington

A CINEMA project in Northwich could be given a much needed cash boost if councillors give it the thumbs up.

Plans are hotting up to return the Plaza, in Witton Street, to its former glory as a picture house.

Gillian Edwards, who is leading the campaign to transform the Grade II listed building, spoke to Northwich Town Council in a bid to convince members to back the project with a £10,000 grant.

She said: “The town council were very receptive to the idea of a community cinema and the fact that it would be a multi-use facility enabling the community to use it as a multi resource and it would protect an important part of the town’s heritage.

“We want community groups to be able to use the Plaza when it’s not operating as a cinema as this will help with covering utility costs.

“The town council said they would very much welcome the idea of having a cinema in the town and the idea of tickets being as low priced as possible and very affordable.

“It was excellent to have the opportunity to speak to the council.

“We are tantalisingly close to reopening the Plaza, everything is in order to open with regards to leasing equipment and volunteers etc.

“Now it’s just about raising the much-needed start-up funds – we’ve got the majority, we just need a tiny bit for start-up.”

Northwich Town Council decided to pass the issue to its finance committee to discuss if funds would be available.

Town mayor Clr Alison Gerrard said: “All the councillors think it’s a really good idea and it’s gone to finance now to see if we can help with any funding.

“We wish Gillian all the very best in the venture and hope it does come to fruition.”