Former Palace Theatre still has a role to play
IT IS an iconic symbol of Plymouth's cultural history, a much-loved building which means so much to different generations.
As the Palace Theatre, it was beloved by older people who flocked to see some of the biggest stars on their day tread its boards. It opened in 1898 as a music hall, and played host to giants of stage, screen and radio including Gracie Fields, Laurel and Hardy, Charlie Chaplin and Frankie Howerd.
For decades, it was at the centre of the city's entertainment world, standing proudly on Union Street, one of the few Victorian buildings to survive the devastating blitz of World War Two. But times, and tastes, changed and in 1983 the curtain finally came down on the theatre for the last time. That was not the end for this legendary building, and it lived on becoming a wrestling club and bingo hall before being reborn in 1996 as the Dance Academy nightclub, under the ownership of entrepreneur Manoucehr Bahmanzadeh.
Many younger Plymothians look back on it fondly as a legendary venue, which attracted clubbers and DJs from around the country. But in 2006, the music stopped – perhaps forever – when it was raided by police, closed, and Mr Bahmanzadeh jailed. Now he has been released, and expressed his hope that it can be brought back to life. He told us: "All options are open – I want to see it come alive again." Many people across our city, whatever their age, would agree. This wonderful building is currently an eyesore; a sad, neglected shell of a mausoleum in urgent need of repair. It is a tragedy that something that was so vibrant and important to Plymouth is now derelict and overgrown.
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Its neglected state does not present our city in a good light, and there is a huge groundswell of feeling that it must be brought back to life – whatever it ultimately becomes. It is a landmark with amazing history, and maybe its rebirth could help lead a revival of Union Street and bring fresh enjoyment to new generations. Whatever its past, we believe it still has a vital role to play in Plymouth's future.
Comments
by moyztedbear
Wednesday, July 25 2012, 9:02AM
“pull the eyesore down or give it to what seems to be plymouths prirority bloody students rubbish to rubbish”
by rhino1980
Tuesday, July 24 2012, 8:13PM
“Nevman. According to the last Herald article on this case the owner paid a £1m confiscation order as part of his conviction. He will get that back if he wins his appeal. I personally feel that that money could have contributed to the rejuvenation of the building, but it didn't. If we're apportioning blame here, who's fault is that?
However I think Mr Bahmanzadeh has a duty to refurbish the building. I think he has to do this if it's going to reopen as a club. Or he should sell it on to someone who will invest in it for another purpose.”
by ChezGuevara
Tuesday, July 24 2012, 6:33PM
“There used to be a chemist opposite the Palace, and I was in there with my old Auntie one day, and who should walk in; FRANKIE HOWARD. I was six at the time and never knew who he was, but remember it well because he made me laugh.
We need LOTTERY FUNDING to bring the old palace back to its former glory.
Come on St Peter and the Waterfront Councillors; do something useful for once!”
by Nevman
Tuesday, July 24 2012, 6:18PM
“Do tell us how the council is responsible for the dilapidated state of the building and its owner isn't, Bob.”
by bluebell2
Tuesday, July 24 2012, 3:38PM
“Its iconic building but not for what he going to use it for wheres he getting his money from . bluebell”
by Bob_Wickerman
Tuesday, July 24 2012, 3:31PM
“It's pretty much common knowledge that Mr B was set up and framed”
by willems
Tuesday, July 24 2012, 3:23PM
“Why is this foreign criminal not being deported ?”
by Bob_Wickerman
Tuesday, July 24 2012, 3:07PM
“..Mr Bahmanzadeh quote- 'This wonderful building is currently an eyesore; a sad, neglected shell of a mausoleum in urgent need of repair'..
Yes mate, that's mostly down to a succession of useless councils over the years, they couldn't run a candy floss stall let alone a city”
by LordorNothing
Tuesday, July 24 2012, 3:04PM
“agreed nevman.
such an iconic building, i remember going there to see a performance in the early 80's as a young child, and going in the 90's when it was a club. so sad to see it as it is now. it would be great to see it re-open..shame then that it will be a club again. the repairs are long long overdue.
as ive said in my profile, union street should be demolished from the palace to colin C court both sides, and rebuilt with a wide walkways with cafe's/bars for a more continental feel especially as that area is in for some major redevelopment in the next 5 years. Union street just looks tacky, cheap and common.”
by Nevman
Tuesday, July 24 2012, 2:48PM
“I see we're not trusted to comment on its newly-released owner's intention to reopen it as a nightclub, but can I ask where he's suddenly found the money for the obligatory repairs to this listed building - repairs which he could and should have paid for while he was doing time?”