New food hall coming to Stalybridge

An old night club that was once a major hub for revellers in the heyday of ‘Staly Vegas’ will be transformed into a brand-new food hall.

Rififi, which closed more than a decade ago, was one of many nightlife venues in Stalybridge that earned its nickname likening it to Las Vegas. But under a new lease of life, the new food hall on the corner of Market Street and Waterloo Road will feature a 1940s themed ‘secret bar’ and a jazz bar/restaurant.

The proposal, submitted by Monopoly Events, includes refurbishing the interior of the venue as well as an extension with a canopy. The historic building would host a number of restaurants within the food hall.

The venue will be named ‘The Palace’ to honour the building’s past as Palace Cinema – before it became a nightclub. 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.”

CGI of the new food hall planned for old Rififi nightclub building in Stalybridge. Credit: Monopoly Events