Restoration plans for former cinema site

Majestic age of movies could return

Exciting plans have been unveiled to reopen the much-loved Metro cinema in the heart of Ashton.

A consortium has bought the 102-year-old building which will be restored to its former glory and renamed The Metro Majestic, combining its late 20th Century and original 1920s’ names.

Manchester-based Monopoly Events, the team behind the project, have many years experience of running venues and putting on large scale events.

Their vision is for a grand opening in about 18 months time as a cinema showing new and classic films, but also as a live music and boxing and MMA (mixed martial arts) venue. Space will be available for exhibitions, functions and private hire and there will also be a World War II themed cafe.

In a statement on the new ‘Metro Majestic Cinema’ Facebook page, the owners admit that ‘in the past there have been failed bids to save and secure the building, but we can officially confirm that [it] has been secured and purchased by a consortium with the preservation of the building and its rich history at its heart...’

They claim the cinema - which closed nearly 20 years ago followed by the amusement arcade in 2011 - has finally found the right team to care for it and bring it back to life and into sustainable use.

The Metro Majestic promises to be ‘a magnificent centrepiece for Ashton... which has been sadly missed over the last two decades.’

Public reaction to the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive with more than 500 ‘likes’ in the first five days and 250 comments typically saying ‘fantastic news!’... ‘it’s a beautiful building which deserves to be preserved’... ‘awesome!’... ‘can’t wait to visit this classic gem again.’

The cinema on the corner of Old Street and Delamere Street was known in different eras as The Majestic, The Gaumont, The Odeon and finally The Metro.

Many have shared their memories of going to ‘the pictures’ and watching live bands, particularly during the              1980s when the venue attracted big names such as The Boomtown Rats, Bryan Adams, The Damned and Twisted Sister.

State of the art dressing rooms were constructed behind the screen which still exist today.

by Mike Wallbank