Old nightclub at the heart of ‘Staly Vegas’ could be transformed into new food hall

A Stalybridge nightclub which welcomed revellers from far and wide could soon be throwing its doors open to hungry diners – as a brand-new food hall.

Rififi, which closed over a decade ago, was one of many venues in the town that earned Stalybridge the nickname ‘Staly Vegas’. But the Tameside town could become a nightlife destination for different reasons now plans for a food hall have been tabled.

The new Market Street food hall, named ‘The Palace’ to honour the building’s past, would also contain a 1940’s themed ‘secret bar’ and a jazz bar/restaurant.

The proposal, submitted by Monopoly Events, includes a refurbishment of the interior of the venue as well as an extension with a canopy. According to planning papers submitted to Tameside Council, the historic building would host a number of restaurants within the food hall.

Before life as a nightclub, the deteriorating building was known as Palace Cinema. This harked back to its original name, Empire Palace Picture Theatre, when it opened in 1913.

Planning papers read: “The proposal will deliver the positive effect of arresting the long deterioration of the building and securing its future by putting it to a sustainable and active alternative use which will also generate significant benefits to the local economy.

“The appearance of the building will be enhanced by sensitive restoration, which also encompasses a new entrance canopy and subservient side extension to form a seating area.

“The design approach is influenced by Art Deco precedent, which is appropriate as this reflects the aesthetic of the golden age of cinema building in the middle years of the 20th century.

“The proposal will enhance the building and its contribution to the conservation area and is thus in accordance with both national guidance and the local development plan heritage policy.