Stockport cinema benefits from Portas fund

THREE awards have been made from Stockport’s Mary Portas-inspired retail fund.

The Stockport Plaza cinema has secured £20,000 for a digital projector which will allow it to show a wider variety of films and hold other events. The idea is to attract larger audiences and increase footfall in shops nearby.

Market traders have been awarded £4,300 for a special Christmas market event on December 23 and £1,500 has been granted to the Stockport Historic Quarter Forum for a Charles Dickens-themed Christmas event.

Stockport was awarded £100,000 from the Government High Street Innovation Fund and £100,000 as part of its successful Portas Pilot bid. Stockport Council has added a further £100,000.

Ted Doan, general manager of Stockport Plaza, said: “Being awarded a £20,000 grant means that our exciting and diverse film programme can be developed to include independent film exhibitions and satellite broadcasts from the National Theatre, Glyndebourne opera house and ballet companies from across the world.

“It will not only increase footfall, but allow us to add value to the local community by supporting local film festivals and promoting local services on screen.”