Plans put forward to open Stafford pub's balcony to customers

The Picture House in Stafford town centre has been closed for refurbishment since it was flooded in October 2019.

The JD Wetherspoon branch was due to welcome customers back in February, but the reopening date was put back to May after it was discovered work was needed to repair the ceiling.

The coronavirus pandemic and national lockdown led to further delays and now the Grade II Listed Bridge Street venue, which was previously a cinema, is due to open its doors once more on September 22.

A retrospective planning application to reopen an unused balcony inside the venue has been submitted to Stafford Borough Council. The proposals also include reinstating open stairs in their original locations and removing tiered levels to provide customer seating areas.

A design and access statement submitted as part of the application said: "At the end of October the site suffered severe flooding, which came up to waste height in the worst affected areas. The kitchen and cellar areas, customer toilets, and lower auditorium area where the bar was located were all under water, causing extensive damage.

"The proposal for the works is to repair, and renovate the building back to as it was before the flood. A new bar will be placed in the same location as it was, with new toilet facilities in the same layout as before. All affected services and ventilation systems will need replacing to ensure no contaminated systems are left in place.

"Fortunately, the front entrance lobby with the existing floor tiles and ticket office remain untouched. The stage and screen area are also undamaged and will remain. New decoration and carpets will be applied to the customer areas.

"The layout of the building is to remain as it was, with the exception of bringing the currently unused balcony into customer use. To do this, a set of stairs will be formed at either end, where it is thought perhaps they may have been originally. The existing ceiling finishes will not be touched."