Plaza plans still in place (From Northwich Guardian)

Plaza plans still in place

11:00am Thursday 6th September 2012 in News By Gina Bebbington

Plaza plans still in place

AN AMBITIOUS project to rejuvenate a Grade II listed cinema has been given a boost by a council boss.

Steve Robinson, the chief executive of Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC), has been to visit the Plaza, in Witton Street, to find out more about the plans.

He said: “I was delighted to accept the group’s invitation to visit the Plaza and learn more about their vision for this landmark building.

“Their plans are ambitious and have the potential to add a new vibrancy to one of the most historic parts of the town centre.

“As an authority, we are very keen to see communities taking on projects that ‘put something back’ into their town or village.

“This is a wonderful example of a community initiative that could have very real benefits for Northwich.

“When the opportunity to bid for funding arises, the council will look to see what support it might be able to offer.”

Gillian Edwards, spearheading the community group, explained that reopening the cinema is taking longer than hoped because of its listed status and the need for a complete re-wire.

The group has £60,000 for projection equipment and an extra £22,000 for the works but estimates that all of the building works will cost £100,000.

A number of mid Cheshire business have offered their skills, including an architect, accountants, solicitors, graphic designers and builders.

Weaver Vale Housing Trust is donating the equipment to install a disabled toilet and disabled access.

Gillian said: “From the outset we have been keen to stress that the overall priority is to provide a low cost cinema to benefit all local residents and providing volunteering opportunities whilst also preserving such a beautiful historical building.

“This is now rapidly becoming a reality and we would like to thank all local people for supporting us and believing that it could happen, because of you what was once an ambitious dream is now happening, a fantastic example of group work and a community working together.”

Bloc, the developer behind the Northwich Marina site, is also helping the group.

Director Richard Thomas said: “We are assisting the group in developing plans for the proposed community cinema which are coming together nicely.

“At the moment the group are assessing the cost of reopening the Plaza so they can finalise the level of funding that will be required from third parties.”

To get involved in the Plaza project email northwichcinematrust@live.co.uk.