It's an absolute scandal that, in the midst of all the new houses and 'regeneration' in Lower Broughton, the Grade II listed Victoria Theatre remains derelict, and third on the Theatre Trust's 'At Risk' Register. A few years ago there was an attempt to revive the place which came to nothing but now the Salford Victoria Theatre Trust is seriously trying again to bring the building back to life.
There's a meeting this Wednesday, 25th July, at 7:30pm in the Eagle Inn, organised by the Trust to discuss possible future uses for the theatre, built in 1899 and closed as a bingo hall in 2007. The Trust has loads of ideas but needs more input from the local community...
"We would like to see it restored to its former glory and used as a working theatre school" says the Trust's Sam Kelly "Ideally, it would have a remit to run courses or apprenticeships in all aspects of performing arts...music, technical, stage and events management, and to work with local schools and colleges to provide work experience to support their courses, or classes in the arts that schools are not able to provide at the moment.
"There could be a theatre cafe in the shop downstairs at the front which would help connect the theatre to the community as well as serving those working in or using the theatre, while providing an income for the theatre" Sam adds "Salford residents could possibly get discounted theatre tickets. How about a youth club? These are just some ideas of what could be done and how the theatre could benefit the community if we can save it, apart from bingo nights, of course, always popular."
The Trust has a business plan, based on the Stockport Plaza which has been sustainable but is open to new ideas, and has met with Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, who is said to be 'supportive', as well as the Theatres Trust and the National Trust.
"We have raised the profile of the campaign and the group with all the funding bodies that we can but at the moment the biggest stumbling block is that we or the Council, don't own the building" Sam explains "We need to recruit some more people to help with the campaign and we need to decide on a fundraising strategy to take us forward..."
Salford Victoria Theatre Trust Community Meeting
Wednesday 25th July 7:30pm
Eagle Inn
Collier Street M3 7DW
See also the Save Victoria Theatre Salford Facebook page click here
For a full background see previous Salford Star articles...
A Tour Inside Victoria Theatre click here
Can the Victoria Theatre Be Saved? click here
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