Metropolis is still thriving months after trial success
A NIGHTCLUB which was relaunched to capitalise on the Christmas market is still going strong four months later.
Metropolis re-opened in December last year, originally just to see in Christmas and the New Year.
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Martin Cross is hoping to bring back the glory days at the Metropolis nightclub.
But after a successful trial run, manager Martin Cross decided to keep it going and four months on he thinks his decision is paying off.
He now plans to return the club to its peak of around eight years ago.
And he has revealed that a large number of people have been banned in a bid to prevent trouble.
Mr Cross, from Cheadle, said the club had been doing well considering the current economic climate and was getting enough people through the doors every weekend.
He said: "The premises licence doesn't expire unless it's revoked, reviewed or given up. So as long as we are doing well, it will stay open.
"I am trying to make it more interesting for people because you've got to give them a reason to come out and stay in Leek instead of going elsewhere.
"We showcased the first band to perform since it re-opened recently and have got more lined up.
"Metropolis showcased bands back in the day and I'm hoping it can become well known as a good band venue as well as a nightclub.
"There is a lot of up and coming local bands on the scene at the moment and I intend to take advantage of that."
Despite the initial success, Martin said the club was still far from its peak.
He said: "I would say 2000 was its peak and it's not back to that yet.
"But there aren't as many people out around town these days either because of the financial situation or they have got into the habit of going somewhere else.
"We have picked up in the past month so hopefully things will continue to go well.
"I think people were pleased to have somewhere to go in town and not having to spend a fortune in taxis to other places.
"It has been challenging getting it back up and running but not a ridiculous struggle."
To help drum up more interest, Martin has signed up to social networking site Facebook and already has more than 700 members.
He admitted that since re-opening there had been some trouble but said it was well under control.
He said: ""Leek is a small town and there's always going to be idiots causing trouble but we've got a good handle on it and a good door team.
"We have taken a firm hand and banned a big group of people and the police have been helpful."
The premises are owned by John Deaville, who leased the property to Martin.
John formerly ran Metropolis when it first opened in 1996, but no longer has anything to do with the club.
He said: "I still own the bricks and mortar but Martin is the leaseholder of the property, so it will be continuing to be run as Metropolis for as long as he is.
"It's good to see it back in use and I wish him all the luck in the world."
Martin is on the lookout for local bands to perform at Metropolis.
If anyone is interested, they can contact him on martiniscross@hotmail.co.uk
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