Ballroom group take next steps to restoration
WORK is under way to transform and restore this historic ballroom back to its former glory.
Stretford Public Hall, which stands on the corner of Chester Road and Kingsway, was built by John Rylands in 1878.
Several years ago, a community group was granted ownership of the building by Trafford council to turn it into a venue for music, food, dancing, weddings, theatre and the arts.
A fundraising campaign was launched to find the cash needed to carry out the revamp.
More than £255,000 was raised through a ‘community share offer,’ which allowed people and organisations to purchase shares in the building with the money going towards the renovation work.
A year on, Friends of Stretford Public Hall and Loop Systems – the architects leading the project – have released an illustration of what the ballroom will look like.
There will be a new bar and kitchen space, as well as new lighting, heating and ventilation.
The historic space will accommodate up to 400 people and will be completely redecorated. It is hoped construction will get under way this summer, with the ballroom open by the end of 2018.
Both Friends of Stretford Public Hall and Loop Systems are now urging Stretford residents to get involved in the final plans.
On Saturday, May 5, there will be an open day at the hall where people are encouraged to give their feedback.
Annoushka Deighton, chair of Friends of Stretford Public Hall, said: “We have been working hard in the background to make sure the renovations meet the needs of the community, so it’s great we can finally start to share our plans and begin making it a reality.”
Stephen McCusker of Manchester-based Loop Systems added: “It’s fantastic we can mark the oneyear anniversary of the successful community share offer by allowing members to feed into the final designs – reflecting the ethos of this community-driven project.”
The open day will take place at Stretford Public Hall from 11am to 4.30pm, with a series of activities taking place to mark Community Business Weekend including a classical concert for kids and a jazz afternoon tea.