Restoration Update – 01.09.09

The restoration of the Stockport Plaza is a voyage of discovery with long hidden gems being uncovered and discovered such as recessed light wells whilst in the Cafe Lounge along with remnants of the original ceiling light fittings which have enabled us to design exact replicas of the original lighting scheme. The main stair case which we had believed carpeted from the Cafe Lounge level upwards in fact was graced with the magnificent terrazzo flooring which is being brought back to life by expert craftsmen whilst at the back of the Stalls seating area we found a wonderful wall sconce that has been used as the template for the restoration of three more light wells that will be revealed to the public when we reopen later this year.

The large Quatermass style Pit at the back of the auditorium has finally gone and with a ceiling and walls our new Patrons Lounge and Art Gallery is taking a shape, an ideal place for pre show and interval drinks whilst looking at intimate and informal exhibitions by local artists.

The foundations are now in place for the installation of the lift mechanism that will be styled on an original 1930’s art deco lift to the instructions of our Vice Chairman Gary Trinder, a veritable guru on all things cinema and of the era when the Plaza came to life as Stockport’s premier Super Cinema and Variety Theatre.