Club revival 'on cards'

THE owners of a former nightclub and dance hall say they will 'more than likely' submit an application to have it reopened.

The investment company behind the former Zanzibar and Crystal Ballroom in Newcastle is considering reopening the abandoned building.

David Leach, managing director of the Crystal Newcastle, praised the enthusiasm and passion of campaigners to reopen the historic venue.

He said: "I have met with residents and we have been giving consideration about what to do with the building for some time now.

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"The proposal was that if we can see enough support for a ballroom and live entertainment venue then we would give some consideration to it."

And thanks to long-time campaigner and Motown fan Trudi Tildesley that there is now widespread support for the proposal.

Grandmother-of-four Trudi, from Rutherford Avenue in Clayton, started an online petition to get the Brunswick Street venue reopened after spending her youth dancing the night away there.

So far the retired RAF wife has gathered around 300 signatures in favour of the revival.

The e-petition has gathered 203 signatures online and another 100 signatures have been given on paper.

The 59-year-old, who met her husband John there in 1970, wants to restore the building to its former glory to be used as a live venue for rock and roll bands.

She said: "I am encouraging the owners to revamp it as a live venue for the over-30s crowd.

"We want to bring in live entertainment and big bands as well as local soul and Motown.

"There has been talk of it being knocked down in the past to make way for flats but there are so many memories that it would be a shame.

"It was always so busy inside and brought some of the top bands to the area. But unless we can prove to the council that this is what people want they aren't going to take us seriously."

Now Mr Leach is planning to speak with the other investment company owners to take a decision on whether to re-apply for the venue.

He said: "We are in a type of consultation period and we would want to speak with the police before making any definite application.

"We are more than likely to make an application but not before I have spoken to everyone concerned."

The building, which once housed a booming dancehall, has stood empty for over 11 years.

Down the years it has been home to popular nightspots Tiffany's, Zanzibar and Ritzy's

To sign the petition visit www.gopetition.com/petitions/proposal-for-the-crystal-live-entertainment-venue.html

Or visit their Facebook site, which has over 104 members.