Plans for the revival of a historic cinema revealed

The former Metro Majestic cinema in Ashton could be revived after sitting empty for more than a decade.

The degrading building on the junction of Old Street and Staveleigh Way had its last showing in 2003, before it was turned into ‘Slotworld Amusements’. The arcade closed down 15 years ago and the building has been vacant ever since. 

Now exciting new plans for a new entertainment complex would include a cinema; restaurant and bar; theatre; and live music venue. The centrepiece of the venue would be the auditorium – able to host around 1,000 people.

The developer, Monopoly Properties, says they would first need to repair and carry out maintenance works to facilitate the transformation.

Works would include two new entrances, with new doors, canopies, disability access ramps and signage to be installed on the outside of the 1920s building.

Through the main doors punters would walk into the foyer, bar and restaurant space with customer seating to the side. The massive auditorium would span over two storeys, with 762 seats on the ground floor and a balcony area on the first floor – containing another 236 seats with views of the stage and a private hire bar.

A second floor space to contain projection equipment is also included, according to planning papers.

The proposed operating hours for the venue would be 7am – 11pm, with a maximum of five late night shows per year. It is expected that cinema screenings would take place during the day and then stage shows and music performances would be staged in the evenings.

Developers believe the venue would bring in two full-time and around 30 part-time jobs to the area.

Planning papers read: “The scheme will return the building, which can be regarded as a local landmark, back into active and positive use, and will enhance the community and leisure offer within Ashton town centre. It will provide a high-quality mixed-use venue for people to meet and socialise, and will provide a wide range of events which attract different people to the town.”

The plans will be considered by Tameside council in the coming weeks.

The historic building was designed by Arnold England and was known as ‘The Majestic Picture House’ when it first opened in the 1920s. Upon opening, the cinema had 1,233 seats in stalls and a balcony. 

By 1929, the Majestic in Ashton had been taken over by Gaumont British Theatres. 

Another takeover by Odeon happened in 1962 before it was sold again in 1981 to independent business ‘Metro Cinema’. It remained under Metro Cinema ownership until 2003, when it became a Slotworld Amusements.