Conversion of former Curzon Cinema approved
Trafford councillors were filled with praise for church group CRC’s plans to transform the Urmston building into a community hub, voting to give the scheme the green light on Thursday.
The project would see the former Curzon Cinema’s auditorium used for church services on Sunday and then available for community, hospitality, and educational events throughout the rest of the week.
CRC’s proposals also include the installation of a coffee shop on the ground floor and an office on the first floor of the building, which sits off Bowfell Road.
Regarding parking, there would be 20 spaces for cars, three accessible ones, and three for motorcycles to the rear of the building. There would also be secure storage for cycles. The church would also ensure there is a drop-off space and a dedicated level entrance to the building.
To help make the building accessible to fall, accessible WCs would be provided.
“It’s hard to find fault with this application,” said Cllr Daniel Jerome.
Cllr Shirley Proctor was similarly positive, highlighting the church’s promise to improve the building’s accessibility as one of the shining aspects of the application.
“I can’t wait to see the building brought back to life again,” she said.
Cllr Nathan Evans was similarly effusive, pointing to the CGIs showing Brass Architecture’s designs for the old cinema.
“If it ends up like that, it will be a real triumph for the area,” he said.
Planning Insight was the planning consultant for the project, with Martin O’Rourke provided heritage advice. The project team also included Civic Engineers and NoiseAir.
To learn more, search for planning reference 113468/FUL/24 on Trafford Council’s planning portal.
Great news and an excellent scheme
By Graham Smith