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Final push will take Plaza back to the future

Jennifer Williams
17/ 9/2008

ART deco landmark Stockport Plaza has just three months before the curtain finally falls on its make-or-break regeneration appeal.

The theatre has spent two years working towards a £1.3 million target, so it can access millions more in vital lottery cash. It currently has £120,000 left to raise - but it must do so by the end of the year.

If it doesn’t, the Plaza’s faded 1930s grandeur will remain unrestored, so the theatre - with the full backing of the Stockport Express - is preparing one final fundraising flourish.

It desperately needs those last, all-important pennies, so the town centre can gain the glittering vision of thirties grandeur it once enjoyed.

Manager Ted Doan said: "It’s really going to give the people of Stockport back the landmark they originally had and celebrated.

"When we get the money, the front of the building will be covered in scaffolding. It will be cleaned and the canopy which was taken down in the 1960s will be reinstated. Neon strips will run down the front and it will be topped with a neon crown.

"Coming down the A6, this is going to look like the most amazing enchanted fairytale castle. All we need is Tinkerbell flying around and we will be sorted!"

He added: "It’s going to look like the day it opened in the 1930s. When you come through into the foyer it’s going to feel as if you are your great-grandparents when they saw it."

While times are hard for many people, campaigners firmly believe that the Plaza is a true symbol of Stockport, renowned not just in the region but nationwide, so they want everybody on board in the spirit of local pride.

Ted explained: "People may not be theatre fans but they still recognise the influence of the building. Plus it’s going to bring big money into the town and take the theatre to the next level."

Fundraiser Ella Byford agreed: "In fact, technically, this is going to bring in far more than £120,000 - this money will effectively bring in £3million altogether. It’s so exciting now."

Over the years all kinds of fundraisers have seen cash pour in, with a mammoth £28,000 raised from bucket collections alone.

A final series of exciting events are due to kick off in the coming weeks, involving fashion shows, community projects and raffles. Watch these pages for the latest ways to get involved in the run-up to Christmas - or visit www.stockportplaza.co.uk