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THE Savoy cinema.
Help find the answer to the future of Savoy
Kirsty Elleray18/ 4/2007
STOCKPORT Express readers are being asked to get involved in the very own cliffhanger by solving the mystery of what will be coming soon to the much-loved Savoy cinema in Heaton Moor.
After years of thrilling its audiences with the latest films, cinema-goers now need to take on a starring role and come up with ideas on how to make the best use of the Savoy.
Heatons South Councillor Tom McGee has called upon the community and the council to be "pro-active" in finding a solution for the future of an independent cinema following the dismissal of a proposal to convert it into a £1m pub.
He said: "The result was the right one but there's no point in basking in glory - the hard work starts here.
"The danger is for nothing to happen and for it to deteriorate. We need to be pro-active and by that I mean local people and the council working together to come up with the best solution for Heaton Moor.
"We shouldn't forget though that the cinema is a commercial enterprise and not council-owned - and I am not sure what the owner wants."
Lisa Fan, the Savoy's owner for more than 12 years, said falling attendances and rising costs had forced her to sell.
The Barracuda Group was refused permission by local planning chiefs last year to convert the 460-seat cinema - which opened in 1923 - into a huge Smith and Jones pub.
It would have had a capacity of 300 people but the plans triggered more than 630 local people to sign petitions against it.
The pub group appealed but now residents are celebrating the news that it has been rejected by the Planning Inspectorate, due to the impact on residential amenity and highway safety.
Coun McGee added: "There have been lots of suggestions pouring in about what can be done with the cinema and these need to be explored. It's an ideal opportunity for people to work together.
"Look at the Stockport Plaza - that is now successfully run by a group of volunteers and the Plaza Trust. That may not be feasible for the Savoy but we need to look at lots of options."
The Savoy, designed by architects Pierce and Son with seating for more than 1,013, opened in 1923 despite furious protests by locals, including church groups.
In 1938, disaster was averted when fire swept through the building.
When it reopened, the roof was replaced but the cinema remained identical to that destroyed by the fire.
The venue was the scene of controversy in 1958 when Hammer Films' version of Dracula was taken off after just three days, following protests and poor box office takings.
It closed for a revamp in 1970 and reopened boasting it would be the 'ultimate in luxury cinema-going.'
- WHAT do you think the future of the Savoy should be? E-mail: kirsty.elleray@gmwn.co.uk or write to Stockport Express editorial, Savoy Ideas, Wood Street, Hollywood, Stockport, SK3 0AB.
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26/04/2007 at 16:16
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