After fears that the end was nigh for Lower Broughton's Grade II listed Victoria Theatre, there is now hope in the air, as the new owner, Mohammed Patel, has agreed to a meeting with restoration campaigners to discuss possible plans to save it for community use.
"After years of working to ensure the heritage and security of the venue is preserved, Salford Victoria Theatre Trust feared the site would be demolished after being included in plans for local development...and being put up for sale at auction" states the Trust "Now, after being bought by a local developer as an 'investment', the new owner has engaged with the group to seek out a way forward, even vowing to consider plans to restore it for its original purpose.
"The Trust are now preparing their business plan and pitch to present to the buyer at the end of the month" it adds "With intentions to engage local arts organisations and having gathered a whole host of support from across the industry, their proposition is focussed towards use by the community to enhance opportunities and quality of life for residents and attendees/users."
The last draft Local Plan, produced by Salford Council in 2016, included plans for Lower Broughton that stressed the 'redevelopment' of the whole Cambridge area including nearby housing but added that it would be "Protecting the Grade II listed Victoria Theatre and securing its positive reuse, preferably for a community use in keeping with its original function and design..."
The new Revised Draft Local Plan for Salford, which was published last week, didn't mention the Victoria Theatre, only that, for Eccles New Road, Liverpool Street and Cambridge (which includes the site of the theatre) "Masterplans will be developed for each area to manage any change within them, and they will continue to be protected as existing employment areas unless such masterplans indicate otherwise".
Members of the Trust are to meet with Salford Council's planning department in February to discuss the the regeneration of Lower Broughton as per the Draft Local Plan with reference to the restoration of the Victoria Theatre.
Meanwhile, there are plans for a crowdfunding campaign to support the restoration, as well as the hope to obtain accreditation as an asset of community value and obtain the go-ahead to redevelop it as part of a heritage project.
In order to achieve all this, the Trust wants people to get involved, "From accounting and archiving, to social media, website management and community or partner liaison, there are a range of opportunities to support this extremely worthwhile cause to restore this gem to its former glory, and better" it states.
For more information, and to register your interest, email salfordvictoria@hotmail.co.uk
For updates also see the Facebook page Save The Victoria Theatre Salford
Main photo by Matt Holmes
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